For the past three seasons, the Phoenix Suns have had a point guard problem. That problem? The fact that no one besides Devin Booker can truly run the offense.
Now, Phoenix has Jalen Green, who has shown major improvements on that side. His pick-and-roll chemistry has been better, as well as initiating more of the offense in transition.
Still, it hasn't gone according to plan. They're 17th in offensive rating, dead last in defensive rating, and have one win this year. That came against a depleted Golden State Warriors team coming off a back-to-back set.
They had a rocky start last season, beginning with a 1-4 record with a similar problem. But the expectations are different this season. Everyone expects them to be good, and the other 29 teams know what the Suns' true team identity is.
Nonetheless, they could start looking at a solution, whether temporary or permanent, to fix some of the roster holes.
The Suns trade for Dejounte Murray
Phoenix and the New Orleans Pelicans are the same, but vastly different. The latter has players in their prime, like Dejounte Murray, who can be an instant game-changer.
The immediate defensive prowess would stand out. His ability to switch, use his length and verticality, in addition to the improved offensive game, remains impressive.
Pairing Murray with Booker could give deja vu to his time with Chris Paul. This isn't saying that Murray is anywhere near Paul's level, but the dynamic could be similar.
The Pelicans' primary ball-handler can initiate the offense while Booker can operate off the ball and excel as a scorer. Although that's what most people would aspire to, it's not the biggest reason to think about this move.
Defense has to improve, no matter the circumstances. A team coached by Jordan Ott will be a quality defensive roster. Allowing the worst defensive rating through four games, despite a small sample size, is concerning.
Murray would eliminate that almost instantaneously and be a part of a team that is desiring to win, not just be in a rebuild.
The Suns trade for Darius Garland
This potential move would seem a bit more feasible considering the Los Angeles Clippers' circumstances. They won't have any first-round draft picks for the next five seasons thanks to the NBA's investigation involving team owner Steve Ballmer.
That said, the Clippers could blow it all up and start fresh. As a result, Darius Garland could be involved in trade discussions.
The Suns could use someone like Garland offensively. He has a great understanding of running the offense, playing alongside an elite scorer, and can play second fiddle to Booker.
Article Continues BelowA trade like this might be more flashy and give more offensive power, but would it be as impactful defensively? That's the million-dollar question that no one for sure knows the answer to.
Perhaps they don't make a trade
Last year, Green was sidelined for the first half of the season, resulting in Collin Gillespie running the show. Despite being undersized at the position, per NBA standards, he was what they needed.
So far this year, it's been more of the same when he's rolled with the second unit. In three games, he leads the entire league in assist percentage when he's on versus off the floor.
That percentage? 28.7%.
If the trade market isn't open, then maybe there's no need to sound the alarm after all. Gillespie could be just that guy to be back in the starting lineup if things don't shake out.
It might force some tough decisions, but the fit is there, and if it leads to wins, then whatever decision is necessary might be the one to roll with.