NBA Trade Rumors: Phoenix Suns Updates

Jan. 8, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns point guard Shannon Brown (26) is congratulated by teammates center Marcin Gortat (4) and small forward Jared Dudley (3) while playing against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Bucks 109-93. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports.

The entire NBA is prepared to gear into that “11th hour mode” With the NBA trade-deadline now just a day away. The Phoenix Suns has been actively working the phone lines trying to make deals and the Suns has been consistently linked with the hottest name in the NBA rumor mill this season, Josh Smith. According to recent updates by multiple sources, Smith to Phoenix is a mere snowball’s chance at this stage in the game. 

Chris Broussard of ESPN’s magazine tweeted this earlier yesterday:

“Phoenix has talked with ATL about Josh Smith, but deal is very inlikely, sources say.”

“U never say never but source close to situation says Josh Smith to Phx 4 Gortat-headlined package is unlikely”

Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld tweeted this earlier yesterday:

“I wrote it three weeks ago (and took heat for it) and I’ll write it again: Don’t be surprised if the Phoenix Suns trade for Josh Smith.”

Marcin Gortat has drawn a lot of interest from other clubs but his value has been tanking since the end of last season. The most the Suns would be able to get for him at this point is likely a bit more than what the Suns got in return for Robin Lopez. The Suns would likely be able to get a future first-round draft choice, along with a possible future second-round draft choice and cash considerations as a throw-in.

Jermaine O’Neal has reportedly drawn a lot of interest from quite a few contending teams, especially the New York Knicks. The Knicks could use O’Neal’s defensive presence off the bench, and O’Neal’s overall production this season has been A-Grade too. O’Neal is averaging 7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks this season despite playing very limited minutes.

O’Neal has also posted a PER(player efficiency rating) of 16.85 this season, which is well above the NBA average of 15. O’Neal could be of solid value to any contender as long as he’s able to remain healthy like he has been for the most part this season in Phoenix; he missed a few games after the death of his aunt, and he missed a few games after discovering an irregular heartbeat. O’Neal’s contract situation(one-year, veteran’s min.) is also very ideal for a high payroll team like New York.

Sebastian Telfair is the most likely candidate to be traded given that he no longer has a role on the team. He’s been replaced by Kendall Marshall in the rotation as the Suns are trying to get Marshall more playing time despite the fact that Telfair is currently the better player. According to multiple sources, the Suns are asking for a future second-round draft choice in exchange for Telfair.

The Toronto Raptors has expressed interest in Telfair as has other teams that are in need of a back-up point guard such as the Lakers. However the Suns won’t help the Lakers out whatsoever, given that the Suns need the Lakers to miss to playoffs so that the Suns would be able to receive the Lakers lottery pick.

Chris Broussard of ESPN’s magazine tweeted this earlier yesterday:

“Sources: Knicks showing strong interest in Phx’s Jermaine O’Neal…Phx also talking w/Toronto about moving Sebastian Telfair”

“OKC aggressively shopping PG Eric Maynor. Asking price is high. Phoenix looking to move Sebastian Telfair to clear PT for Kendall Marshall.”

Shannon Brown’s name hasn’t been in the rumors mills much throughout the season, but under the current circumstances I suspect he could be on the move. Lindsey Hunter did not play Brown last night in the Suns win against the Blazers. In fact, Hunter gave Brown’s usual minutes to Wesley Johnson.

Brown has two-years(Including this one) left on his contract and he’s set to make about $3.5 million dollars annually which is very reasonable. One of the teams that I suspect that could make a run at Brown, are the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves currently don’t have  a single legitimate shooting-guard on the roster(Not a healthy one anyway) and it’s been reported that the Wolves have been aggressively attempting to move future first-round draft choices in exchange for established NBA talent.

Brown seem like an ideal fit in Minnesota as he would be playing next to Ricky Rubio. From an objective standpoint, Brown is certainly not worth a future first-round draft choice however the Suns and Wolves could very well work something out. The benching of Brown last night is a sign that Brown could be moved before the NBA trade-deadline on Thursday.

Then there’s Jared Dudley. Dudley has been a popular name in trade rumors this season and it’s not hard to see why. Dudley is a terrific shooter, tough-nosed defender, and has a very high basketball IQ; all attributes that could be of great value to any team. My assumption is that the Suns are reluctant to part with Dudley. Dudley has been on the Suns longer than any other player on the current roster, and he’s the glue guy on this young Suns team. But I’m certain that if a team out there makes the right offer, the Suns likely won’t say no. Stick and stay with SunNGun.com for all the latest updates.