New report continues to link Drummond to PHX

According to Sports Illustrated, the Phoenix Suns were in hot pursuit of current Detroit star center Andre Drummond this offseason, potentially keeping open a door for the chance at a move in the near future.

The report offered no details in regards to who or what the Phoenix Suns may have discussed in return for Drummond (although what do you want to bet that Detroit’s wish list, at least this past offseason, began and thus ended with the fourth overall pick). However the Toronto Raptors apparently offered Jonas Valanciunas and the Kings discussed the 10th overall pick.

This connection between the Suns are Drummond is nothing new. For the past season, as the Pistons floundered in the East, rumors circulated early that Drummond may be a trade target and that the Suns were in play. We even speculated on multiple occasions about what the Suns might look to trade for him.

Of the many trade rumors surrounding the Suns though, the bigger ones seemingly universally included the other team hoping to acquire what ended up being the fourth overall pick. The Suns regularly demurred, and for good reason. The addition of Josh Jackson’s above average defensive skills are a step towards re-defining the poor defensive image that has plagued the franchise since the end of the Jason Kidd era.

Now that the Suns have Jackson, as well as two potential first round picks in next year’s draft, the Suns may be in a better position to make a move for Drummond that includes their own first rounder based on expected growth, especially if his addition may end up lessening the overall value of their own first rounder.

On that same token, the addition of Drummond, who is still only 23-years-old, would fit perfectly in the age group of the young core. Presuming a prime that could stretch until 32-years-old, the Suns would have him for around nine years of that prime, which would both jumpstart (slightly) the move to the playoffs, but also the need to find and sign or trade for other stars to pair up with he and Devin Booker.

Suns fans would be remiss to not also take into account James Jones who was just hired as Vice President of Basketball Operations. One of the reasons for his hire being that his cache as a highly respected player in the league could help sell players on the Suns. Who knows if that could help the Suns in acquiring Drummond, as in, would Drummond request that the Suns be put on the top of the list of potential teams to be traded to just because Jones is in the front office, but it certainly can’t hurt.