Phoenix Suns address power-forward desire in proposed trade
Yesterday we discussed the Phoenix Suns desire for a ‘post-up power-forward’, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports.
It quickly became apparent that, unsurprisingly, there aren’t too many suitable options left on the free agency market to fill the void. That leaves trade possibilities as the only suitable route in the short term.
In a proposed trade with the New York Knicks, the Phoenix Suns address their desire for a power-forward in a major, roster-altering move.
Our counterparts at Daily Knicks have proposed a trade that actually makes a lot of sense, with writer Desmond Novack outlining a deal that would see Julius Randle head to the Suns. Here’s how he believes it could play out:
"Phoenix Suns Receive: Julius RandleNew York Knicks Receive: Jae Crowder, Dario Saric, 2024 Lottery Protected First-Round Pick, 2025 Second-Round Pick"
It’s a potential trade that makes a lot of sense for both teams. Firstly, the Knicks will likely be interested in dealing Randle should they be successful in their pursuit of Donovan Mitchell. With he and Jalen Brunson running the ball-handling duties, they may want role players (Crowder and Saric) to fit in beside them, rather than a ball-dominant forward in Randle.
Acquiring Randle would certainly bring a different dynamic that would cause plenty of intrigue. The major question here is whether the Suns believe they could get the 27-year-old back towards his career-best form?
In 2020-21, Randle averaged 24.1 points, ten rebounds and six assists per game, shooting 41.1% from three-point range. If Phoenix got anywhere near that output, which was good enough for him to be named to the All-NBA second team, then this is simply a home run trade for the franchise.
However, that season was a slight flash in the pan compared to the rest of his career. He’s otherwise never been a good three-point shooter and has often been criticised for his lack of winning impact despite putting up numbers on the box score.
The key here is, unlike in New York over the past few seasons, Randle would be the third or even fourth banana rather than the lead act. How he responds to that would be interesting, but theoretically it could pay dividends.
He can be the extra ball-handler and playmaker the Suns need, albeit in a much more limited capacity than he’s had with the Knicks. That extra offense and shot creation is worth more than the hard-nosed defense of Crowder, while the rebounding advantage would prove a nice foil to Deandre Ayton.
The last question is whether the Suns could form him into a capable catch-and-shoot player, therefore making him just as good a fit as Cameron Johnson? Randle’s been a better pull-up three-point shooter than he has a catch-and-shoot one over the last two seasons. Johnson does remain on the roster in this instance though, mitigating the risk of the Randall addition.
There’s further risk here for the Suns given they’d be committing themselves to more long term money – Randle is starting a four year, $117 million deal. Who knows if owner Robert Sarver would even be willing to commit to that.
Next. 2 potential trades should the Phoenix Suns turn their attention to another gettable All-Star. dark
It’s probably a risk worth taking though if the Knicks agreed to it. Phoenix need a point-of-difference, a variable to what they had last season despite the regular season success. Randle could provide that, with he, Ayton, Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges presenting as a fascinating starting five heading into next season.