Phoenix Suns: Ranking 4 best trade-deadline options

Phoenix Suns moves for the trade deadline: 1. Grab the backup center

The Suns should jump into the backup center pool.

It will be interesting to see the players who ultimately are bought out and land on the open market over the next week.

When the reality finally defeats the speculation, we can really examine the best options.

For now, the concentration is on players such as JaVale McGee, Andre Drummond and Hassan Whiteside.

And, as mentioned in No. 2 above, see what price tag LaMarcus Aldridge carries.

As we’ve noted previously, while McGee would certainly fill the backup center/energy guy/rim protector role adequately, Whiteside is the clear favorite if he’s available, amenable and affordable.

Why do the Suns need to seriously consider making this move? The Saric small-ball 5 plan is working well — especially with Saric stretching defenders with his 3-point accuracy — but the playoffs bring problems at the other end of the floor.

Anthony Davis figures to be healthy, so the Lakers are still the class of the West.

The Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic is virtually unguardable — for Ayton and Saric — and bringing aboard another six fouls could only help. Especially if Whiteside is the one in possession of those six fouls.

McGee, Aldridge, Whiteside.

Assuming the buyouts are in place, all are worthwhile pursuits to help solve the weakness at the defensive end.