Valley of the Suns
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Good: The Phoenix Suns have no interest in Dennis Smith Jr.

By Chad Boyles

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks and Jamal Crawford #11 of the Phoenix Suns reach for a loose ball during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 99-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks and Jamal Crawford #11 of the Phoenix Suns reach for a loose ball during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 99-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks are shopping point guard Dennis Smith Jr., and the Phoenix Suns are a potential landing spot.

Adrian Wojnarowski reported on January 14, that the Dallas Mavericks are engaged in trade talks of point guard Dennis Smith Jr., the 9th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Woj reported specifically that both the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic were primarily the two team’s interested in trading for Smith.

The morning of January 15, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports assured Suns nation that Phoenix has NO interest in the 21-year-old.

So far this season, Smith is averaging 12.6 points and just below 4 assists per game.  The North Carolina State product has quickly fallen into Luka Doncic’s shadow.

So lets take it from the beginning: say Smith had just been placed on the trading block. Step-by-step, is Dennis Smith Jr worth trading for?

First of all, what would the Suns be willing to offer in acquiring Smith? Mikal Bridges? Heck no.

T.J. Warren? Having just discovered an awesome role and constantly improving on his game? No.

Josh Jackson?  A month ago I would have said yeah, sure. But Jackson has had a solid stretch of games the last six or so. He may have finally gotten over the hump and come into his own. No.

Booker? Ayton?  Maybe if a young Dirk was thrown in there.

As of right now, the Suns’ most attractive assets are not worth trading Dennis Smith Jr. for, especially given the play of current Suns starting point guard, De’Anthony Melton.

So second – and last – does Dennis Smith fit as the missing piece in the Suns puzzle?

There is no denying Smith’s inhuman athletic ability, but do the Suns need a point guard who is always looking to make a big play? He’s a solid ball-handler, and has shown ability to score at the rim. But then again, his primary interest is in scoring the ball.

Melton is more of a grit and grind point guard is also beginning to come into his own. Averaging more assists of late (recorded a career-high 10 against the Nuggets on January 13, leads rookies in steals per game and performs as the Suns’ best defender. Melton is surely earning more and more minutes.

Next. Josh Jackson needs to be more offensively aggressive when Devin Booker returns. dark

Verdict:  No. Dennis Smith Jr is not worth trading for.

The Suns are 11-33, and despite that, they have played their best basketball since acquiring Kelly Oubre Jr. Again, contradictive to the record, something is clicking on the Suns and they have been more competitive. There is no need to make any move and risk hindering that chemistry,  just to finish 15th in the Western Conference regardless.

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