Phoenix Suns: Three possible trade targets at the point guard position
It’s no secret that the Phoenix Suns need a young point guard of the future to go with their young core and trading for one may be the best option.
Eric Bledsoe has been nothing but great for the Phoenix Suns‘ franchise. He is in the prime of his career and playing his mind out. That in lies the problem with Bledsoe, he’s in his prime where as the majority of the Suns roster are still on rookie contracts. Bledsoe is sadly not the franchise point guard of the team and it’s because he is just too old for this core. Second year guard Tyler Ulis has played well enough to gain consideration for the role, however the Suns could look at some of the other young point guards in the NBA for their starting point of the future. Trading for a young point guard is a solid option that the Suns should take advantage of.
Phoenix Suns
Emmanuel Mudiay
Emmanuel Mudiay has had an up and down career since being selected by the Denver Nuggets seventh overall in the 2015 draft. In two season with the Nuggets he has averaged, 12 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.8 turnovers. During which he shot 36.9 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from the 3-point arc. It’s evident that Mudiay has struggled while with the Nuggets. His rookie season was not bad by any standard considering he was a rookie. Then the Nuggets selected Jamal Murray in the next draft who Mudiay had to compete for time with. With Murray and Jameer Nelson looking like they have strong stakes on playing time, it could be time for the Nuggets to move Mudiay which would be beneficial for both parties. Don’t be mistaken, Mudiay needs to improve in a variety of areas if he wants to become a quality starter for any team. Still at this point Mudiay has shown he has playmaking abilities which could definetely help grow the group of raw offensive players the Suns have.
Tyus Jones
It’s fair to say that Tyus Jones has never been given a fair shot at playing time. In his first two years Jones had to fight for playing time with players like Ricky Rubio, Zach LaVine, Andre Miller, and Kris Dunn. Jones has produced some promising offensive numbers even in the limited playing time.
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Generated 10/5/2017.
Granted Jones’ development is still far from complete, especially on the defensive end. However, if he is given a bigger role with the another team like the Suns, then he could become a quality starter.
T.J. McConnell
Phoenix Suns fans should have a pretty good idea in what they are getting in the former Arizona Wildcats point guard. During his time with the Wildcats, T.J. McConnell was a quality passer and defender averaging 5.8 assists as well as 1.9 steals per game. Since being signed by the Philadelphia 76ers as an undrafted free agent, McConnell has been top 10 in multiple assist and steal statistical categories. He has been a great player for the Sixers.
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Generated 10/5/2017.
Then why could he become available for the Suns? The Sixers currently have Markelle Fultz, Jerryd Bayless and even Ben Simmons that can play point guard for Philadelphia. Besides Simmons, all seem to be a better shooter than McConnell and the Sixers desperately need that. McConnell is a great facilitator and can help cover up some defensive issues the Suns have.
Obviously, the Suns would need McConnell to improve his 3-point shot before making him part of their long term future. Still, having McConnell back in the desert will make a lot Suns fans happy.
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These young playmakers have shown upside and could be available at some point during this season. They could become a long term option for the Phoenix Suns if they are acquired by the franchise. If the Suns decide that they don’t like any point guards in the upcoming draft, then trading for one could be their next best option.