The Phoenix Suns have the best record in the NBA. They are in the top three in both offensive and defensive efficiency in the NBA. They also have the best road record in the NBA. With how well the season is going for them so far you might be led to believe the trade deadline can come and go without them making a deal. The Suns goal is to win a championship. They fell just short last year. What trade deadline targets make the most sense for them? Here are the ones most experts believe make the most sense for Phoenix:
Suns Trade Target No. 1: Gordon Can Bolster Back Court
The Houston Rockets Eric Gordon is having a solid season. He is averaging 14.3 points and shooting 42 percent from three point range. Phoenix targeting him at the trade deadline makes sense as both Landry Shamet and Cameron Payne are out with injuries. He has played with Chris Paul when Paul was with the Rockets. He was coached by Monty Williams in New Orleans. Gordon won Sixth Man of the Year in 2017.
Gordon’s offense upgrades a solid bench unit. Playing along side Cameron Payne Phoenix would have solid backups behind Paul and Devin Booker. Gordon’s biggest drawback may be his salary. Phoenix would have to take on the rest of the $18.6 million he is owed this year. Next year that rises to $19.6 million, with $20.9 million the following year non-guaranteed. Whether or not the Suns take on his contract with cheaper options is an open question.
Suns Target No.2: Thaddeus Young Helps Interior D
Thaddeus Young helps Phoenix out in one obvious way: interior defense. He makes sense for the Suns to target at the trade deadline in spite of his 6.1 points per game average. His value is his ability to help guard forwards like the Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis torched the Suns with 50 points in game six of last years finals. Phoenix did not enough quality big men to slow the Milwaukee Bucks power forward. Adding Young gives the Suns an option of a small ball center to spell Deandre Ayton in the playoffs.
Young is making $14.2 million on an expiring deal for the San Antonio Spurs. For salary reason the Suns trading Dario Saric, whose ACL tear has sidelined him the entire season so far. Jalen Smith and a first round pick likely would be included as well. The Suns certainly taking a look Young makes sense but how much to give up for a defensive specialist? Saric playing for the Suns this year appears unlikely, so getting Young for him and a pick would not be bad for Phoenix.
Suns Target 3: Dennis Schroeder helps Chris Paul rest
The Boston Celtic’s Dennis Schroeder’s named often comes up in Suns trade talk as well. Schroeder’s a solid defender. He can back up Chris Paul at point guard. This makes sense as Cameron Payne’s skills are suited to playing off the ball.Schroeder has not shot the ball well this year, but a salary of $5.9 million for him makes him a low risk option.
The Suns giving up Jalen Smith to the Celtics, and little else for Schroeder, means Phoenix can still explore other trade options. His 14.4 points and 4.3 assists prove he potentially adds even more to an already solid Suns bench. With his relatively small salary is the potential there for the Suns to pick Schroeder and Young in trades?
The Suns versus the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals, assuming both teams stay healthy, seems likely. Beyond that they could be facing the Bucks or the Nets in the NBA Finals. Which of these trade targets gives Phoenix the best chance to win the championship? If Phoenix GM James Jones can figure that and bring the Suns their first NBA title Suns fans will sing his praises forever.
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