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

(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 16: T.J. McConnell of the Indiana Pacers. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 16: T.J. McConnell of the Indiana Pacers. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

1. T.J. McConnell

Trade rumors regarding T.J. McConnell started after the Suns traded away Chris Paul during the offseason. The team was planning on moving Cam Payne for McConnell at the start. Jake Fischer reported about it during the offseason.

"“The Pacers have been mentioned in another possible trade discussion this week,” Fischer reported. “Phoenix has continued to explore trade scenarios regarding reserve guard Cam Payne, league sources told Yahoo Sports, and Indiana point guard T.J. McConnell has been one player on the Suns’ radar. There was some talk around Summer League about a developing multi-team trade discussion. Maybe there’s some business to be done with the Knicks. Rival front offices continue to say New York remains engaged on trade avenues for veteran shooter Evan Fournier, and the Knicks are amenable to doing so as part of multi-team frameworks, sources said.”"

However, Phoenix dealt Payne to the Spurs in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick.

The team could still re-visit the potential trade concerning McConnell this season. McConnell has only played for ten games this season, averaging 10.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Compared to the other two options on this list, the undrafted guard is a capable point guard who could give an edge to the Suns

Phoenix could give up Grayson Allen, who’s been excellent for the team this season, to acquire the two-way guard. Trading away Allen is a small price for the Suns to pay for stability from the point guard position.