The Phoenix Suns are putting together another masterpiece this year. With a few strokes of the paintbrush, they strung together 18 straight victories a few weeks ago. Coloring in all white spots and polishing off the corners, they’ve also included marquee wins against the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Already halfway through the regular season, you can almost see the picture: a team racing back toward the NBA Playoffs not as the “feel good story” or “new team” this time around, but as a lethal unit seeking revenge.
With his increased efficiency accounted for, Devin Booker finds himself enjoying one of his finest seasons to date. Deandre Ayton successfully rekindled the fire he brought to the playoffs last year, and Chris Paul remains that savvy veteran—carving up defense each night like a hot knife.
Cameron Johnson’s emergence as a top tier 3-point shooter has their offense humming even when the starters hit the bench. JaVale McGee adds to that as well, proving to be one of offseason’s most underrated signings.
All that wrapped up into one product and held together by a few other pieces has the Suns sitting atop the NBA’s throne with a league-best 31-9 record.
But with the NBA trade deadline now less than a month away, that does not invite the Suns to just sit tight and shoo away any opportunities to improve the team further. Right before the deadline last year, Phoenix acquired Torrey Craig, who ended up playing an integral role for the team especially during the postseason.
With the chance to add one or more similar glue guys this week, the Suns need to keep an eye out for these three players becoming available.
*** This report does not include Thaddeus Young with Jalen Smith being the cheaper and statistically better option to play power forward right now ***