Phoenix Suns: Three possible trade targets at the shooting guard position
The Phoenix Suns have struggled with injuries this offseason. The one position that has suffered the most is shooting guard, is another trade the solution?
One of the main offseason stories that Phoenix Suns’ fans have had to constantly hear about is the injuries to shooting guards Brandon Knight and Davon Reed. The Suns tried to remedy the issue by trading for shooting journeyman Troy Daniels. Daniels certain does help restore some of the depth the Suns lost this summer. Still, there’s a feeling that something is missing. Trading for another young shooting guard will help solidify the position moving forward into the 2017-2018 season.
Justin Anderson or Nik Stauskas
Technically this is about two separate players, but they are on the same team so just roll with it for a moment. In the past, I’ve advocated that the team could and should trade for Nik Stauskas. He makes sense on the court and contractually.
More from Valley of the Suns
- Ranking the Phoenix Suns’ 5 holiday games in 2023-24
- Zion Williamson gets compared to Phoenix Suns legend
- Suns player preview: Bol Bol can be the perfect role player
- Former Suns’ guard shows he is officially done with Phoenix
- NBA insider guarantees Suns’ rival won’t make blockbuster trade
Staskus’ teammate Justin Anderson could also bring value to the Suns. Anderson is not a shooter by any stretch of the imagination, having a career average of 28.9 percent from the 3-point line. What Anderson does bring is tenacious defense and grit to a team that desperately needs it. Last season the 23 years-old had 1.3 defensive win shares. To put that into perspective, of all the Suns players last season, only Alex Len, Marquese Chriss and Eric Bledsoe had a higher DWS than Anderson. There is a definite need for Anderson on the perimeter.
Kyle Anderson
The San Antonio Spurs has a Swiss army knife of sorts in Kyle Anderson. Sadly for the Spurs, they haven’t figured out how to use all the tools that Anderson has effectively yet. At 6-foot-9 and 230 lbs, Anderson has the frame to play anywhere from shooting guard all the way to power forward if need be. Beyond his stature, Anderson has other attributes that make him desirable to the Suns.
| Season | Age | Pos | G | GS | MP | FG% | 3P% | 2P% | eFG% | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 21 | SF | 33 | 8 | 10.8 | .348 | .273 | .359 | .365 | .643 | 2.2 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 2.2 |
| 2015-16 | 22 | SF | 78 | 11 | 16.0 | .468 | .324 | .488 | .488 | .747 | 3.1 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 4.5 |
| 2016-17 | 23 | SG | 72 | 14 | 14.2 | .445 | .375 | .462 | .481 | .789 | 2.9 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 3.4 |
| Career | 183 | 33 | 14.3 | .442 | .341 | .459 | .467 | .753 | 2.9 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 3.7 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/7/2017.
The numbers appear to seem solid. Defense is a concern with Anderson, but the upside on offense more than makes up for that. It could be that the Spurs have enough depth that they simply don’t need him to play big minutes. If the Suns could obtain him in a trade, there is no guarantee that he would get much more playing time behind Devin Booker. Still it’s better than being stuck behind Danny Green and Manu Ginobili.
Mario Hezonja
Before fans question why Mario Hezonja is on this list when he has only played 17 percent of career at the shooting guard position. Remember, the Suns already have three young players that play small forward already and don’t need any other young players at that position. On the surface, Hezonja appears to be a bust after being drafted fifth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft.
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/7/2017.
Regression is never good for a young player, but fans should look at it like this: Hezonja had to deal with a coaching change during his young career, which is hard for any young player. Overall Hezonja didn’t have a bad rookie season. A change of scenery with less pressure and a defined role with the Suns could be exactly what he needs to get his career back on track.
Next: Phoenix Suns fans should get excited about Jones Jr.
Trading for a young shooting guard to pair with Daniels on the bench is a move the Phoenix Suns should execute if they don’t feel confident in any of their training camp invitees to make the final team.