Trades
Why did the Suns sign Jamal Crawford and Brandon Jennings? Because it’s time to move on from Eric Bledsoe or Brandon Knight. Possibly both. It’s come the time to address the elephant in the room, and that elephant is the logjam of guards in Phoenix. Why oh why do they continue to think it’s a good idea to have four or five players who all deserve minutes playing one position?
Well, that time is over. And I think Coach Earl Watson knows it.
The biggest trade rumor that has circulated involving these guards is moving one to Philadelphia. The 76ers are in need of a guard to run their team. Phoenix has plenty of them. The Suns are in need of a strong center. Philadelphia has plenty of them. See what I’m getting at?
Before everyone starts the “The Suns have Tyson Chandler, Alex Len, and four Power Forwards,” just listen. The Suns finished 20th in the NBA in points in the paint. Yes, they have two centers who deserve playing time, but they need someone who can produce. With Chriss and Bender joining Phoenix, having a sound post player is a big deal. They can play the stretch four much easier when they don’t have to worry about having to play in the paint as much.
Also, it’s clearly not going to work for Chandler in Phoenix. The Suns best bet would be to try to ship him back to Dallas. They wouldn’t even need much in return. Chandler isn’t really worth much after the year he had last season. If the Suns could get a first-round 2017 draft pick for him, they should be happy.
Back to the 76ers. Whether Suns’ fans want Eric Bledsoe to remain in Phoenix or not, he has to be the guard to leave for a player like Jahlil Okafor. Pre-draft rumors had this trade happening for weeks, right up until it didn’t. But the Suns knew what they wanted, and they went after it during the draft. Honestly, it was a great move. Getting Okafor would be just as great.
When it comes to the trade, Eric Bledsoe isn’t going to be enough for Okafor. The Suns will have to throw a first-round draft pick in the mix to acquire this young star. That’s where Chandler comes into play. If Phoenix can orchestrate a three-way trade between the Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, and themselves, they can get Okafor, clear out some guard room, and get rid of Chandler.
The Trade:
Dallas Gets: Tyson Chandler
Philadelphia Gets: Eric Bledsoe, Dallas’ 2017 First-Round Pick
Phoenix Gets: Jahlil Okafor
Looks good to me, right?
That leaves the Suns with less guard rotation, a strong center, and a young and stocked roster.
Next: The Final 2017 Roster