Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
PHOENIX – Having spent the last several seasons chasing the perfect formula around Devin Booker, and that is exactly why the Zion Williamson trade rumors feel believable. One glaring weakness for the Phoenix Suns continues to show up as they lack a true interior force that can consistently pressure the rim.
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Apr 1, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) battles Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) for the ball during the first quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
Would Zion Williamson in Phoenix make sense?
When healthy, Williamson changes defenses instantly. Few players in the NBA command as much attention in the paint, and that pressure could create cleaner looks for Booker while opening the floor for Phoenix’s shooters. It is the type of move that signals urgency from a franchise trying to maximize Booker’s prime years. The debate becomes complicated when Jalen Green enters the conversation.
Dec 17, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (right) against Suns guard Devin Booker in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Green represents the type of long-term scorer New Orleans could prioritize if it decides Williamson’s injury history outweighs his superstar upside. His athleticism, age, and offensive ceiling fit a Pelicans roster searching for a more dependable foundation. For Phoenix, moving Green would mean sacrificing future explosiveness for immediate star power.
Dec 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix forward Dillon Brooks (3) calls for a foul against New Orleans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
That is where the gamble truly begins, as Williamson has battled injuries throughout his career, and the Suns already understand how damaging the absence of stars can be to roster chemistry and continuity. Another major injury would leave Phoenix with limited flexibility and massive financial pressure. But if Williamson stays healthy, the Suns suddenly become one of the most dangerous offensive teams in basketball. This is not a safe move, and it could be a franchise-defining swing. In today’s NBA, championships often come from bold decisions. The question is whether Phoenix believes Zion Williamson is worth betting the future on.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
