3 Trade Deadline Mistakes the Phoenix Suns Must Avoid

Phoenix Suns Potential Mistake: Taking a Bad Jalen Smith Deal

James Jones dropped the ball when he refused to pick up Jalen Smith’s rookie option. With Stix set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, any team which trades for him would do so with no guarantee of him staying with the team. As potential trade partners recognize this, it only makes sense for them to offer the Suns low-ball deals for Smith no matter how much they like his upside.

With that considered, the Suns need to avoid sending Smith away for nothing, even with him likely to walk at the end of the season anyway.

Even as a rental for this year, Smith remains more valuable to the Suns than anyone they might attain in an offer. During his run when both Ayton and McGee entered league health and safety protocols, he averaged 15.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, while also shooting 38.5 percent from three.

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This essentially closes the door on the long awaited Thaddeus Young deal. As much as Young’s leadership as a veteran might help the Suns this year especially during the postseason, his numbers do not lie. Averaging 6.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this year, he lacks the same punch which Smith promises to provide along the block.

As difficult as it may be, the Suns must give him the cold shoulder, as well as any other teams looking to dump off their ineffective players.