3 trade targets for a backup point guard for the Phoenix Suns

Let’s be honest. The Phoenix Suns have a real point guard problem that needs addressing soon. Following their back-to-back losses against the San Antonio Spurs, it’s clear that the lack of a traditional ball handler has held the team back.

Before the start of the season, I was high on the idea of Devin Booker taking over the point guard position.

He proved to be the right choice during their season opener. But after he was injured, the Suns haven’t been the same team.

Injuries are a part of the game, and Booker is no stranger to injuries. Over the past few seasons, his durability has been a hindrance for him to participate excellently with the team. Phoenix is trying their best to be title contenders this season, and it’s the reason they’ve overhauled the entire roster over the summer.

Their initial plan was to have a multiple ball-handler attack on offense, according to head coach Frank Vogel. That did work when their All-Star guard was healthy. But due to Booker’s missed games, the Suns looked rattled when executing their offense without him.

The only traditional point guard in their team is Jordan Goodwin, and he doesn’t have that much experience yet. Given that Phoenix are contenders this season, having Goodwin play heavy minutes wouldn’t be a wise choice.

The 2023-24 campaign is still young, and the Suns can change their approach. More specifically, by shaking up their roster to provide additional help and depth in the point guard department. Without much ado, here are three ideal trade targets the Suns could explore to acquire a backup point guard.

3. Jalen Suggs

Most fans know Jalen Suggs as the backcourt mate of Markelle Fultz in the Orlando Magic. But he’s also a capable point guard who could control the pace for the Suns. Suggs was the team’s point guard during the 2021-22 season, his first full year in the NBA. He played 48 games as the Magic’s facilitator and performed exceptionally.

As Orlando’s point guard, he averaged 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. Suggs didn’t shoot efficiently in his rookie year, which is ordinary for most rookies. He only made 36% of his shots from the field.

The former Gonzaga standout has shown massive improvement this season. Suggs is still under contract, and there’s a hint that the Magic could seek to trade him soon. Given that the franchise gave Cole Anthony a contract extension before the start of the season, the 6-foot-5 guard could be on his way out. The Suns have the perfect opportunity to trade for the guard this season.