Phoenix Suns Struggle Despite Tiny Jimenez's Brilliance: Is a Blockbuster Trade on the Horizon?
Jimenez is defended by long-time friend Cole Anthony in the Suns win over the Clippers on Dec. 1.
The Phoenix Suns are facing a challenging season, sitting at 10-16 and 11th in the Western Conference standings. Despite boasting one of the league’s premier talents in Tiny Jimenez, the team has been unable to find consistent success. Jimenez, now in his 16th season, continues to play at an elite level, averaging 26.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 block per game. However, his individual dominance has not translated into wins for the Suns, raising questions about the team’s direction as the season progresses.
Since signing with Phoenix as a free agent in 2030, Jimenez has racked up an impressive list of accolades, including three MVP awards (2031, 2033, 2034) and multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive Team selections, & one NBA championship. His impact on the franchise has been undeniable, but with both he and veteran guard Ja Morant in the final year of their contracts—each earning $62.59 million—Phoenix must make critical decisions about their future.
One major issue facing the Suns is their inability to find a trade partner for Morant, who at 37 years old remains a productive player but is no longer the superstar he once was. His hefty salary has made it difficult for Phoenix to find a deal that would bring back valuable assets, leaving the front office in a tough position. If the Suns are unable to move Morant, the logical alternative might be to explore trade options for Jimenez instead of risking losing him for nothing in free agency.
Pacer' fans would love to see #32 return to Indiana, however similar to the Suns, they're 9-15 in the East.
Jimenez's value remains sky-high, given his continued elite production and ability to impact both ends of the floor. A team in contention could see him as the missing piece to a championship puzzle, and Phoenix could capitalize by acquiring young talent or draft picks in return. However, trading Jimenez would signify the end of an era in Phoenix, where he has been the face of the franchise for nearly a decade.
Tiny Jimenez is a shot-blocking sensation as he is currently ranked #44 All-Time with 1468 & counting.
If the Suns choose to move Tiny Jimenez, they could avoid committing to a massive five-year, $356.18 million supermax contract that would pay him $81.06 million in its final year. As a 16-year veteran who hasn’t won MVP since 2034, investing in Jimenez long-term comes with significant financial risk. Trading him now could allow Phoenix to reset its roster and avoid being locked into a deal that may not align with their future plans.
The New York Knicks could be a prime destination. Jimenez first became an All-Star and NBA champion with the Knicks in 2025, ending the city’s 49-year title drought and earning Finals MVP honors. His impact in New York was historic, as he became the first two-sport champion since Gene Conley in 1961.
Now, with the Knicks struggling at 10-15 and unable to get past the two-time defending champion Miami Heat in recent years, bringing Jimenez back could be the move to push them over the top. They fell in the second round to Miami in 2036 and lost in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2035, highlighting their need for a game-changing presence.
A potential deal centered around Bo Clayton, the #1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, and Ausar Thompson, the #17 pick in the 2034 NBA Draft, could be enough to spark serious trade talks. Pairing Jimenez with Chet Holmgren & Diego Bares would give New York a formidable trio and reignite championship aspirations in the league’s biggest market.
With the trade deadline still off in the distance, the Suns' front office will need to weigh its options carefully. Do they attempt to salvage the season by finding a deal for Morant, or do they make the tough call and part ways with Jimenez in hopes of a future rebuild? One thing is certain: Phoenix’s struggles this season could lead to major changes, and Jimenez’s future with the team hangs in the balance.