Phoenix Suns Acquire All-Star Forward in Mock Trade
The Phoenix Suns are on the prowl for a post-up power forward, according to Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro. The news came just hours after Kevin Durant would patch his relationship with Brooklyn.
The Suns already have talented players on their roster, but are missing a strong presence at power forward. Some believe Cameron Johnson may be able to fill those shoes, while Jae Crowder (who has expressed desire for fresh beginnings) and Dario Saric (who is returning from injury) also occupy roster spots.
With tough cap constraints, Phoenix will be limited in their search for a new presence on the floor.
However, Heavy Sports' Mark Nilon constructed a deal that would send New York Knicks power forward Julius Randle to the Valley:
Phoenix Suns Acquire Julius Randle in Mock Trade
Suns receive: Julius Randle
Knicks receive: Landry Shamet, Dario Saric, Torrey Craig, 2023 First-Round Pick (Top 20 Protected) and 2025 first-round pick swap or 2024 second-round pick.
Nilon gave the following explanation:
"Now, for those of you who are familiar, Randle is not necessarily someone who fits the bill of being a “post-up” player, as he’s often found passing up back-downs for his preferred mid-range game, where he hoisted 350 shot attempts in comparison to 316 when at the rim last season.
"However, with his intimidating six-foot-eight, 249-pound frame, the man has the size and strength necessary to be a dominant force down low.
"Considering Phoenix already has two primary ball-handlers such as Chris Paul and Devin Booker, it could force the big man’s hand into relinquishing his desire to serve as a point-forward and, instead, play more to his size in hopes of aiding in their attempts to get over the hump and win a title."
Randle made the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, and averaged 20.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game last season. Randle will turn 28-years-old in November and is under contract for the next three years (with a player option heading into 2025).
Julius Randle contract info (Spotrac)
Would Phoenix do this trade? Probably not. The Suns are considered to be one of the few top contenders in the league with all of their draft capital, and it's doubtful Randle is the guy they're willing to break that mold for.
The team may be more inclined to use their $10.49 million MLE in free agency rather than give up assets, although the Suns may not say no to dishing the Crowder/Shamet contracts out.
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