The trade deadline is hours away and the Phoenix Suns have yet to make a move. One possibility to consider would be struggling Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Dario Saric.
After extending their losing streak against the Rockets, not much time remains for James Jones to improve this season’s roster for the Phoenix Suns. The primary focus all year has been on point guard, or lack there of, but the surplus of wings has masked the dearth at power forward, where Dragan Bender, Ryan Anderson, and Trevor Ariza were expected to cover for the team.
It’s hard to say the team has gotten by without a power forward as they compete for the worst record in the league, but wing depth and the wingspans of Kelly Oubre and Mikal Bridges have helped maintain pressure against opposing fours. However, this should not be a permanent fix, as lack of size will always get exploited in a league of mismatches. For example, against John Collins a few games ago, he cooked the team to the tune of 35 points and 16 rebounds.
According to Sean Deveney, Saric “could find himself on the trade block” which would signal an end of the forward’s short tenure in Minnesota, where he has struggled to plant himself in the offense. Deveney also mentions a package of a first rounder and player as a package the team would be willing to agree upon.
Phoenix Suns
Some teams will likely view this price tag as too hefty, but Dario Saric was a primary part of the trade for Sixers star Jimmy Butler and had a great few years in Philly where he became loved by the city and injected passion and energy into the team.
This sort of high energy, hard working player is what every team desires and as Devin Booker voices his concern about developing a losing culture, Saric would be someone who has experienced that culture at its lowest and became a main piece in developing a winning one. Just listen to coach Brett Brown or any Sixers player talk about him and the love felt for Saric becomes infectious.
His energy would be a plus next to Deandre Ayton whose tenacity has occasionally been questioned, adding a needed spark plug to the frontcourt. They both have a strong mid-range and interior game, with Saric more than capable of spacing out to the three point lane.
This in-and-out game between the two would give the team solid spacing and size, further optimizing Ayton by giving him a partner who can thrive as a quick decision maker. The duo is enticing enough offensively to make the Phoenix Suns consider pulling the trigger, finally pairing their franchise big man with a decent power forward.
Unfortunately for Saric, his strengths offensively can be mirrored by the current wing rotation that helps out at power forward. Oubre’s three point shooting percentage is nearly identical to Saric’s, and Warren and Bridges have a superior shooting stroke. Oubre and Josh Jackson provide energy, and Jackson’s and Bridges’ playmaking has improved consistently throughout the year. Saric can score inside the line well, but doesn’t come close to TJ Warren‘s ability to do the same.
When it comes down to it, a combo of any two of the Phoenix Suns wings can provide most of Saric’s offensive strengths at a similar or higher level. It’s also more difficult for opposing bigs to match up on the wings instead of Saric.
Defensively is the scary part. Saric’s hustle cannot make up for his deficiencies on the other side of the ball. He struggles to stay in front of his man and is targeted by offenses on mismatches, something that having a versatile player at the four prevents. There’s always the possibility for improvement but his defensive ability may be capped by his athleticism unlike Ayton’s.
So should they make the trade? Saric is an intriguing player and one who presents his coach with unique advantages. However, it would be likely that he would be a career backup stretch four due to his defensive limitations next to Ayton, and a first round pick plus a player is a lot to give up for a backup.
Unless the price drops or Phoenix falls in love with a Saric-Ayton pairing, it wouldn’t make much sense using their assets to target the Homie. The move would be shortsighted, as using assets on a defensive liability to pair next to Deandre Ayton should not be a priority as the deadline approaches.