The Phoenix Suns are one of the biggest revelations of the NBA season, doing away with stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal and surpassing preseason expectations.
As the February deadline approaches, one has to wonder if the Suns will be aggressive in finding the piece that will jolt them into contention. Does that piece exist, or is Phoenix better off laying the foundation of a new era?
ESPN looked at the needs of every contender in the league and narrowed down the move they should be targeting at this year’s deadline.
Naturally, Phoenix is predicted to further maximize its once abysmal cap flexibility by trading away third-string center Nick Richards to move the team below the luxury tax.
Phoenix’s needs
“It's difficult to judge Phoenix's deadline needs with Jalen Green limited to two games this season because of a right hamstring issue,” Dave McMenamin wrote. “The Suns' defense has been a strength so far, with the No. 9 rating in the league, but the team ranks 23rd in rebounding and 24th in blocks per game. A rim-protecting big man or wing could certainly help in that regard.
“Another spot to watch is guard depth. Collin Gillespie is having a career year, and Devin Booker, Grayson Allen and Jordan Goodwin all have some distribution abilities, so it's not a glaring need, just an area on the roster worth fortifying”
MORE: Suns owner shares real feelings about Dillon Brooks-Austin Reaves trade idea
What’s the move?
”Just over the luxury tax line, the Suns have a chance to get out entirely by moving backup center Nick Richards, who has fallen to third on the depth chart,” Kevin Pelton added. “If they make that move and create a roster spot, they could address the backup 4 position, which has been troublesome this season.
“Celtics forward Chris Boucher's contract would be ideally priced at the minimum, and the Celtics would likely pay his remaining salary given their tax concerns. Boucher hasn't been a fit in Boston but was a valuable reserve in Toronto for many years.”
This season was supposed to be the first year of a foundational rebuild in Phoenix. It appears the Suns are ahead of schedule. Would maximizing cap flexibility be the ideal move going forward?
More NBA news:
- Kevin Durant recalls feeling ‘scapegoated’ after walking Suns off
Lakers' LeBron James jokes he's 'TBD' for back-to-backs this season
Spurs predicted to trade for 2024-25 Rookie of the Year candidate at deadline