With the NBA Trade Deadline fast approaching, the leaders of the 30 franchises are busy making the necessary transfers before the fateful date of February 9. Of course, the situation of each team is different, and it is specifically for this reason that we wanted to make a special deadline paper by franchise. Presentation of the issues, issues to watch, intentions on the transfer market… we explain everything to you. On the menu today, the Phoenix Suns.
THE SUNS, RATHER BUYER OR SELLER AT THE DEADLINE?
Dominating at the start of the season, Phoenix quickly fell in the standings thereafter. At the end of November, the Suns had a record of 15 wins for 6 losses and a first place in the West, before injuries came to bite the Cactus: Devin Booker, Cameron Johnson, Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul all passed by the infirmary this season. Only Mikal Bridges survives this butchery that hits the Valley of the Sun.
Today 7th of their conference, the Suns have the opportunity to make a turnaround : the core of the 2021 finalist team is still there, and before his injury, Booker was producing a statistical season worthy of an MVP. Phoenix is thus positioning itself as a potential buyer of this trade deadline with several names already mentioned in the rumors to overcome the injury problems.
Another important factor to consider: change of ownership. As we know, Robert Sarver sold the Suns to Mat Ishbia, who could officially take control of the franchise before the February 9 transfer deadline. What influence the choices of the management of Phoenix at the deadline? Possible.
THE SUNS PLAYER(S) WHO COULD BE TRANSFERRED
When you think of the players leaving for Arizona, Jae Crowder immediately comes to mind. The winger drafted in 2012 refuses to play for the Suns this year and requested his transfer even before the start of training camp in September. The American journalist Marc Stein had ensured the possibility of a trade at 3 to recover Rui Hachimura which was to include the Bucks and Wizards. Talks eventually broke down and the Japanese fled to Los Angeles. Phoenix will therefore have to find another trade in the coming week, especially since Crowder will be out of contract at the end of the current season. In short, there is urgency. According to the latest information, the Suns would have given the authorization the Bucks and Jae to chat together.
Other rumored player: Landry Shamet, which could also be on the way out. The Suns guard has had a fair season to date, with 9 points per game off the bench and 38% 3-point success. At last, Dario Saric is also one of the names to watch.
???? Dario Saric is available for transfer.
Big intrigue in the League concerning the new owner of the Suns, which could incite some movements as soon as he arrives before the deadline.
If impossible / too short: see you this summer for changes. pic.twitter.com/otWfZQ2F1K
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) January 30, 2023
THE PLAYERS COVENTED BY THE SUNS
Many names have been circulating in recent days, but two players are at the top of the rumors.
The Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet. In the idea, the exchange makes a lot of sense for both teams: Phoenix is looking for a leader capable of relieving Booker. Also, the age of Chris Paul (37) is starting to be a factor to watch, as the window of opportunity to win a championship may close as the bones of CP3 bury themselves in the sands of Arizona. . VanVleet runs this season at 19 points per game, accompanied by 6.5 caviars. For Toronto, which does not seem to be playing much, it would turn the page and avoid the risk of losing FVV without consideration next summer, when he will be a free agent.
The Suns and Magic have emerged as potential free-agent suitors for Fred VanVleet, sources tell @ShamsCharania.
VanVleet is among several Raptors players teams are monitoring ahead of the trade deadline if Toronto decides to rebuild.https://t.co/AebTkP4hes pic.twitter.com/QoXLAzh4SO
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 17, 2023
Another idea would be to come and strengthen the wings, which have often been injured this season. This is where‘AND Anunoby would intervene: excellent defender and third scorer among the Raptors (17 points per game), OG could be in the process of leaving in Toronto. The idea for Phoenix would be a major five where Anunoby would take the place of Cameron Johnson, the latter then being relegated off the bench as the sixth man like last season. A more original vision, in the perspective of a Chris Paul who is less important than before, would be to shift the guards one row back. Booker leads, with a trio of Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and OG Anunoby at his side.
Among the other blazes circulating in Arizona, we had D’Angelo Russellof Jalen McDaniels or even Eric Gordon. Names that must be kept in the back of your mind.
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