Phoenix Suns bolster roster with Jose Alvarado trade, usher in new era under coach Jordan Ott
The Phoenix Suns are actively crafting a resilient identity under the leadership of first-year head coach Jordan Ott. Known for his tenacity on the court, Dillon Brooks serves as a prime example of the mentality the Suns are aiming to adopt. To further solidify this gritty culture, acquiring another player with a similar style could be beneficial. A recent mock trade scenario from Bleacher Report suggests that the Suns could land New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, a move that aligns well with their current needs.
Suns Acquire Jose Alvarado in Proposed Trade
In this hypothetical deal, the Suns would trade Nick Richards and a 2027 first-round pick to New Orleans in exchange for Alvarado. The proposal raises an important question: can the Suns afford to continue without a true point guard? As Zach Buckley points out, Devin Booker is already shouldering the burden of being both the primary scorer and playmaker, which has led to a significant turnover issue, ranking fifth in the league, and limited opportunities at the rim.
Addressing the point guard position is crucial for Phoenix, especially if they want to maintain Booker’s effectiveness without overtaxing him. Alvarado, renowned for his high-energy play and two-way capabilities, could seamlessly fit into this role without monopolizing the ball. His ability to create plays while maintaining a low-maintenance profile makes him an ideal candidate.
New Orleans’ Perspective on the Trade
From the Pelicans’ standpoint, the need for additional assets is pressing. Trading Alvarado could provide them with valuable resources, particularly if he continues to develop as a deep threat—he recently achieved a career-high shooting percentage of 46.7% from beyond the arc. While the Pelicans may not necessarily need a center, they could view Richards as a more reliable option compared to their current lineup, or use him as a piece to acquire further draft considerations.
Alvarado’s Fit with the Suns
Alvarado’s playing style and relentless spirit align perfectly with Ott’s vision for the team. While Brooks exemplifies this attitude on the wing, the Suns currently lack that same intensity in their backcourt. Alvarado could provide a dynamic presence, enhancing the team’s defensive capabilities while also offering a true point guard option.
Although Collin Gillespie has performed admirably, Alvarado’s experience and competitive edge would allow the Suns to experiment with exciting lineups throughout the season. The trade involving Richards would not significantly impact Phoenix, as he serves as a backup big behind Mark Williams, with Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach also in the mix.
Moreover, Alvarado’s manageable two-year, $9 million contract is a reasonable commitment for the Suns, especially considering his youth—he’s yet to turn 28. The potential acquisition of Alvarado presents an intriguing opportunity that the Suns would be wise to consider as they reshape their roster for the upcoming season.
