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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 /
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Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns trade Gerald Green and T.J. Warren to the Orlando Magic and Isaiah Thomas (and a draft pick) to the New Orleans Pelicans; New Orleans trades Ryan Anderson to Phoenix and Jrue Holiday to Orlando; Orlando trades Ben Gordon to Phoenix and Channing Frye to New Orleans via ESPN Trade Machine /

2. Ryan Anderson

Suns trade Gerald Green and T.J. Warren to ORL, Isaiah Thomas and draft pick to NOP
Pelicans trade Ryan Anderson to PHX, Jrue Holiday to ORL
Magic trade Ben Gordon to PHX, Channing Frye to NOP

Suns fans have wanted Ryan Anderson for quite some time, citing him as the perfect complement to this team’s style of play. As a stretch-four, Anderson would provide three-point shooting and some rebounding off the bench. Ben Gordon is one of a few prices Phoenix would have to pay to make that dream a reality.

In my view, this hypothetical three-team trade isn’t worth it. Anderson would be a natural fit in Phoenix, and the Suns need to figure out a solution for Gerald Green, but giving up T.J. Warren, Green AND Thomas is a bit much.

Is Tyler Ennis ready to be a backup point guard in the NBA? Are we ready to give up Warren halfway through his rookie season despite his God-given ability to put the ball in the hole? Are the Suns willing to take on Ben Gordon’s deal? These are the questions that would need to be answered here.

It could potentially free up minutes for Archie Goodwin off the bench, and I cannot stress enough that there’s a reason why Anderson is such a tantalizing trade target for the Suns. But this is a tough deal to work out without involving a third party because for the Pellies to want Isaiah Thomas, they’d need to send off either Jrue Holiday or Eric Gordon in the process.

Phoenix Suns
Jan 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Pelicans beat the Raptors 95-93. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

For the Pelicans, a draft pick might be needed to sweeten the deal. Sure they’re basically swapping one stretch-four having a down year for another by moving Ryan Anderson and receiving Channing Frye, but they’re also trading the temporarily injured Jrue Holiday for a point guard on a more attractive contract in Isaiah Thomas, helping them shave a total of $2.6 million in salary when all is said and done.

For the Magic, this only makes sense if Orlando wants to bring in an upgrade for Elfrid Payton at point guard until he’s ready. Frye hasn’t been great this season, so they’d be getting rid of his majorly inflated deal and they’d be doing the same with Gordon’s contract. The Magic would also get the added bonuses of Gerald Green and another young piece in T.J. Warren.

Another possibility, without involving a third party, is the Suns dealing Gerald Green and P.J. Tucker to New Orleans for Ryan Anderson straight up, though the Suns would lose their starting small forward. However, New Orleans’ biggest need is at small forward and Green would provide some compensation for losing Anderson off the bench.

As you can see, we’ve reached another trade target that’s sexy on paper, but a lot harder to make happen in reality.

Next: No. 1

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