Insider Says Suns Still Want One More Move
The Phoenix Suns changed much of their roster this offseason, most of which went exactly according to the plans of owner Mat Ishbia and general manager James Jones.
Stacked against the luxury tax, the Suns banked on adding veterans via free agency who could arrive to the Valley and immediately make an impact that far outweighed their price tag - and that's exactly what transpired.
Eric Gordon, Yuta Watanabe, Keita Bates-Diop, Drew Eubanks, Chimezie Metu and Bol Bol combine for a free agency class that solved much of Phoenix's issues when it came to depth, something notable that came back to haunt them in what was another eventual early postseason exit.
The Suns have pieced together a roster that is practically full - and an impressive one at that. However, one NBA insider says Phoenix is still looking to wheel-and-deal.
Marc Stein reported on a recent update to his substack that the Suns have maintained interest in Indiana Pacers guard TJ McConnell, though that potential deal would have to come later in the season:
“After shipping Cameron Payne to San Antonio earlier this month, Phoenix has no readily tradeable players left on its roster until free agents become eligible to be dealt Dec. 15. Word is McConnell, furthermore, is hopeful of staying with the Pacers,” wrote Stein.
Two weeks ago, Yahoo!'s Jake Fischer reported discussions for the point guard were held at the Las Vegas Summer League prior to Cameron Payne being traded to San Antonio.
"The Pacers have been mentioned in another possible trade discussion this week. Phoenix has continued to explore trade scenarios regarding reserve guard Cam Payne, league sources told Yahoo Sports, and Indiana point guard T.J. McConnell has been one player on the Suns’ radar," said Fischer.
"There was some talk around Summer League about a developing multi-team trade discussion. Maybe there’s some business to be done with the Knicks. Rival front offices continue to say New York remains engaged on trade avenues for veteran shooter Evan Fournier, and the Knicks are amenable to doing so as part of multi-team frameworks, sources said."
As Stein alluded to, the Suns will be forced to wait until Dec. 15 to trade any of their newly signed players - and it's unlikely any of their core of four starters (Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Deandre Ayton) are moved.
Phoenix should have a better idea of what's working and what isn't by that deadline, but it sure seems the team will be exploring all avenues and options up until the trade deadline later in the season.
