Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Phoenix Suns: Top 5 Potential Trade Targets

By Gerald Bourguet

Jan 7, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Phoenix Suns power forward Markieff Morris (right) is defended by Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson (22) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Phoenix Suns power forward Markieff Morris (right) is defended by Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson (22) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns trade Isaiah Thomas and Gerald Green to the Miami Heat for Luol Deng and Norris Cole via ESPN Trade Machine /

4. Luol Deng

Suns trade: Gerald Green and Isaiah Thomas
Heat trade: Luol Deng and Norris Cole

This is an interesting proposition. Here, the Suns sacrifice that backcourt depth for a chance at temporarily upgrading the wing from P.J. Tucker to Luol Deng. Deng is a better defender, a decent rebounder and a superior scorer/three-point shooter. It would also give Archie Goodwin and possibly even T.J. Warren the opportunity to play some actual NBA minutes.

But this trade also comes with some caveats. Deng is 29 years old, and acquiring him presents the same potential logjam with Tucker and Marcus Morris already on the roster. Deng and Morris could play power forward in small-ball lineups, but most fans are sick of those with Isaiah Thomas. Norris Cole is a serviceable backup point guard, but he’s no I.T.

Phoenix Suns
Dec 23, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) takes a breather during the second half against Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Arena. The 76ers won 91-87. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

This deal makes sense for the Miami Heat, who desperately need an upgrade at point guard, but would a starting point guard and Green be enough compensation for the loss of Deng?

All in all, it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to add some veteran leadership, but what’s left of Deng’s prime would be gone before these young Suns matured and became ready to contend. Phoenix can probably do better with their assets than this — especially with Deng having a $10 million player option next season.

Next: No. 3

Home/Suns News