3 Trades for Phoenix Suns that Become Available Next Week

Phoenix Suns Trade Option: Swapping Dario Saric for Kelly Olynyk

Dwelling in the Eastern Conference’s basement with a league-worst 4-20 record, the Detroit Pistons already find themselves with a solid chance to repeat as lottery champions after this year.

As a team focused on their future, a veteran role player like Kelly Olynyk does not fit their agenda, making him a fair product throw a “for sale” sign over. But on the other hand, Dario Saric represents a far more intriguing option for Motor City.

Just like Olynyk, Saric plays both power forward and center. He stretches the floor all the same, shooting 35.7 percent from downtown for his career. Even with his unavailability this year, he fits Detroit’s timeline as a young team, concentrated on building for the future rather than winning right now.

Olynyk fits perfectly with the Suns for all the exact opposite reasons. As the older player and with extensive playoff experience, he resembles an ideal addition for this Phoenix team eyeing its first title.

He also completes their rotation as that final big with the ability to back up both Crowder and Ayton. The Suns might need to trade him elsewhere to free up extension space for Ayton and Johnson down the line, but they can deal with that when the time comes.

Even with Olynyk playing an increased role over the past few years, his career numbers look almost identical to Saric’s, with each player’s scoring, rebound, and assist averages all separated by less than a point. Their career field goal and 3-point percentages are separated by by less than two points as well.

With such similar players on the block, and with the trade helping both teams, this deal likely goes through as a straight up, player for player exchange.