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Phoenix Suns: The Pros And Cons Of Keeping Goran Dragic

By Gerald Bourguet

Jan 13, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (1) prepares to pass during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at US Airways Center. Phoenix won 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (1) prepares to pass during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at US Airways Center. Phoenix won 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Goran Dragic
Dec 23, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas (3) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Trading Isaiah Thomas

The Suns aren’t making the playoffs as currently constructed. They just aren’t. The same chemistry from last season isn’t there, the three point guard scheme only works in extremely small doses and there’s not enough help in the frontcourt to hold off the surging Thunder forever.

If Phoenix wants any shot of re-signing Gogi this summer, they’ll have to trade Thomas, pure and simple. Since arriving in the Valley of the Sun, Thomas has said all the right things. He’s taken on a backup role despite wanting more, he’s been professional and courteous with the media and he’s given the Suns another microwave scorer off the bench.

That being said, this is a business. If the Suns want to keep their prized possession, Thomas will be the first major domino to fall. If someone has to go to clear the backcourt logjam, between the three point guards Thomas is easily the most expendable.

Con: Trying To Trade Isaiah Thomas

However, trying to trade Thomas comes with its own set of complications. Thomas has the friendlier contract after the Suns signed him to a bargain deal at $29 million over four years, but that doesn’t necessarily make him an easy sell.

Now that rumors have emerged that the Suns are looking for a first round draft pick in Dragic trade talks, quite a few teams won’t want to settle for Thomas. The Dragon’s status as a free agent would slightly diminish his trade value, but teams know how great he’s capable of being with the ball in his hands and will press for him if they believe he’s available.

Thomas, on the other hand, hasn’t proven anything in this league yet other than the undeniable fact that he can score. He’s a minus on the defensive end, he’s a tad undersized and after coming off the bench all season, his trade value is lower than it once was. In the scramble to put a deal together, the Suns might not be able to get the most out of IT’s trade value.

Next: Loyalty vs. Cost

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