Should Phoenix Suns Consider In-Season Trade of Jalen Green?

Trade chatter built around Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green has been a pertinent topic over the last 15 months.

While Phoenix has poured many resources into aiding Green's development, many believe that the most effective usage of the organizations' time and resources is to move on from the sixth-year guard.

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report suggests that the 24-year-old's time in Phoenix should be coming to an end.

The rationale is typically uniform - Green's expansive salary doesn't match his optimal role as a sixth-man. The former G-League Ignite star is also a sub-optimal fit alongside backcourt mate Devin Booker in many ways on paper.

This debate has multiple layers, and it'll be fascinating to see how the Suns' front office approaches this conundrum. 

One can wonder what the trade value for Green would be at the moment, but waiting until the offseason leaves potential for it to devolve into non-existent territory in an expiring contract year. 

There's also the question surrounding whether the Suns would deem Green worthy of a long-term contract extension in the event of a major uptick in production this season. The Suns are committing a substantial salary base to the core as is, and a hefty extension to the former lottery pick may render the organization in a situation in which they must move on from another core piece.

The back-and-forth debate that rostering Green brings has to frustrate the Suns' fanbase, but it has all-in-all been a worthy investment - especially when moving beyond the disastrous era that came before.

The Collin Gillespie factor is perhaps the most immediately pressing topic of discussion. Gillespie's consistent three-point marksmanship, gritty approach to the defensive side of the ball, and portability make him a more natural fit alongside Booker in comparison to Green. 

While Green will start the season as a starting player, there has to be some room to doubt that this will be how the campaign finishes.

The gifted shooting guard isn't the only talent that Phoenix could look to trade either. Players such as third-year forward Ryan Dunn and Haywood Highsmith could become available depending on how the season progresses.

Green's 2026-27 regular season debut is right around the corner, as Phoenix opens up the 82-game slate on Oct. 21 against the Portland Trail Blazers. That will be the time to judge whether the potential strides made by Green have paid off or not.