Phoenix Suns Preseason Trades: Jalen Smith and Dario Saric for Thaddeus Young
A few months ago, reports surfaced detailing Phoenix’s interest in Thaddeus Young, who currently resides with the San Antonio Spurs as a byproduct from the DeMar DeRozan deal.
As an aging veteran stuck on a rebuilding team, it makes zero sense for Young to stay with the Spurs, making his eventual departure via a trade all too certain. At the same time, Phoenix’s need for more depth along the block makes The Valley an ideal spot for him to land.
Luckily, the Suns own two solid, younger assets valuable to any team starting from scratch: Jalen Smith and Dario Saric.
Two years ago, Phoenix selected Smith with the 10th overall pick, but ended up barely playing him. He dressed for only 27 games, likely taking a slower approach to his development than desired.
However, Smith still resembles a solid “low floor, high ceiling” player still attached to his rookie deal. He remains only 21 years old, with a seven-foot-two wingspan, as well as a decent 3-point shot to stretch the floor as a modern big.
Also as an NBA Summer League participant this past year, Smith reintroduced the world to his unique skillset that originally made him a lottery pick. He earned All-Summer League First Team honors, lead the entire tournament with 12.5 rebounds per game, and averaged 2.5 triples per game.
Smith resembles the perfect product for Gregg Popovich to workshop, making him an ideal fit with San Antonio.
Dario Saric and his torn ACL makes him a slightly less attractive trade piece, but he still carries notable value. He averaged double digit points every year but his most recent one, and at only 27 years old, his best days likely still lie ahead. Also with the Spurs expected to miss the playoffs next year, him missing the season to heal up will not carry much weight.