3 Targets for the Phoenix Suns to Pursue at the Trade Deadline

Phoenix Suns Trade Target: Cory Joseph

Cory Joseph 2021-22 Stats: 7.5 PPG, 3.7 APG, 2.1 RPG (.457/.417/.846)

Cameron Payne remains an important ball-handler for this team off the bench, but with his field goal and 3-point percentage both significantly down this year, and his turnover rate at a career-high, the Suns might want to add a bit more insurance behind Chris Paul.

Into the fold steps Cory Joseph.

As another veteran on a young team, Joseph belongs elsewhere, and the Pistons surely want to give more minutes to franchise cornerstones Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes at point guard.

For this season, Joseph averages fair numbers for a point guard off the bench, able to both facilitate and score. However, his shooting numbers look the most encouraging especially with regard to Payne’s issues this year, shooting above 40.0 percent from three.

Joseph also resembles a solid defender and despite having played for Detroit, a team which often finds itself well out of games before the final buzzer, he has illustrated an ability to hit clutch shots from time to time this year. He also gives the Suns championship experience having won a title with the Spurs in 2014.

His cheap contract makes him easy for the Suns to acquire if they were to part ways with players like Elfird Payton and Abdel Nader. If Phoenix threw in a second round pick, the Pistons would surely take the deal, allowing everyone to walk away feeling like winners.