NBA Trades: Pass or pursue on 3 rumored Suns trade targets
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 10: Landry Shamet #14 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Dennis Schroder #71 of the Boston Celtics during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 10, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona, NBA Trades: Pass or pursue on 3 rumored Suns trade targets. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)´
Many questioned the legitimacy of the Phoenix Suns’ run to the NBA Finals last year and whether or not they would be a one-hit-wonder. Well, it is safe to say that the rejuvenation of the franchise was no joke, as the Suns currently have the best record in the league at 41-10 and look dominant in every facet of the game.
The scary thing for other teams is that Phoenix has a chance to improve their roster even further, with the February 10 trade deadline coming up.
The reigning Western Conference Champions have been mentioned in a slew of trade rumors over the past few months, and they could possibly be gearing up to make a move or two. With all that being said, let us take a closer look at three rumored targets for the Suns and decipher whether they should pass on or pursue them.
NBA Trades: Pass or pursue on 3 rumored Suns trade targets – Dennis Schröder
Rumors have been circulating around second-year center Jalen Smith from the moment the Suns declined his third-year option before the season.
With the Suns potentially looking to move Smith, Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported on a recent episode of The Solar Panel podcast that the Boston Celtics may have floated guard Dennis Schröder in a potential trade for the big man.
Schröder has been shrouded in trade speculation for the past several months, and the Suns could be an interesting suitor for his services. Phoenix is currently lacking able bodies in their backcourt with both Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet sidelined with injuries.
Adding Schröder, a former Sixth Man of the Year finalist, would help alleviate those issues momentarily and give arguably the best team in the league even more firepower off the bench. The guard is having another solid year by averaging 14.4 points and 4.3 assists per game, and he would be a big addition to the team.
If the Celtics are genuinely interested in a Schröder for Smith swap, the Suns should entertain the idea. Smith is averaging just 13.3 minutes per game this season and has struggled mightily to find consistent playing time.
Rather than keeping him stuck on the sidelines, Phoenix should make a win-now move and add a quality guard in Schröder. Taking on what is left of his expiring $5.9 million salary for this season would be a low-risk, high-reward move as the Suns aim to make some noise in the Western Conference.
The verdict: Pursue
