Nassir Little
Rumors have started around the Suns, and Nassir Little is one of the top names that have emerged. The two-way wing was part of the package that the team received when they traded for Jusuf Nurkic.
In his final season with the Portland Trail Blazers, he was a legitimate three-and-D star alongside Damian Lillard. Little shot 36 percent from the three last season, and fans expected him to be a threat from behind the arc for Phoenix this season.
Suns Rumors: Grayson Allen, Nassir Little Shopped in Trade Talks at 2024 Deadline https://t.co/kO83k7el3J
— Sport News (@Sport_News01) January 17, 2024
However, Bates-Diop has outplayed him and is often the wing that head coach Frank Vogel opts to play. KBD and Little have similar playstyles, and the former Blazers forward has played better statistically.
Little is shooting 31.4 percent from the three this year, far better than Bates-Diop's. The former San Antonio Spurs wing is knocking down 27 percent from behind the arc. Unfortunately, KBD has won the favor of Vogel and gets more playing time.
Little is still an excellent role player, but he doesn't fit the system that the coaching staff has for the Suns. Trading him would be logical, as they can still pursue a better wing player. Rumors have spread that the front office has drawn interest in trading for Brooklyn Nets' forward Royce O'Neale. The team can form a package around the 23-year-old forward and acquire O'Neale at the deadline.