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3 players who could be traded after Tyus Jones' arrival

With the arrival of Tyus Jones, the Phoenix Suns need to let a few players go to open up a roster spot.
Reign Karlmarc Amurao
Reign Karlmarc Amurao

Valley of the Suns

Phoenix Suns v Milwaukee Bucks / Patrick McDermott/GettyImages

The Phoenix Suns made a surprising roster addition when they signed Tyus Jones to a one-year, $3.3 million deal on Saturday. This move astounded everyone as it added depth to their backcourt and point guard concerns. The Suns went with the 2023-24 NBA season without a traditional facilitator and now they'll start their 2024-25 campaign with two decent floor generals.

Before the signing of Jones, Phoenix secured Monte Morris to a one-year deal. It means the starters and the second unit won't have problems running their offense. Both guards are experienced commanders on the floor. This acquisition gives the Suns an advantage with their Big 3, as all they have to do is to score the ball.

Their coach is Mike Budenholzer, someone who knows what it's like to understand what a point guard does on the court. A bright season is something that most Suns fans are expecting after the moves they've made so far this summer.

The recent signing overloads the team's roster, which means a few players might get traded to make room

Jones will likely have a significant chunk of minutes, given that he had a career year last season. He appeared in 66 games for the Washington Wizards, averaging 12 points, 2.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists. The former Duke point guard also shot the three-ball well. He made 41 percent of his shots from deep, showing his value on the offensive end.

With how well he's played last season, trading a few players to open up space is a prime move for the front office. Here are three players who could play for a new team at the start of next season.

Bol Bol

Bol Bol didn't see the floor as much as fans wished last season. Bol only suited up for 43 games and averaged 10.9 minutes, almost half of the 21.5 minutes he used to get with the Orlando Magic. The 7-foot-3 center averaged 5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds for the Suns. His production wasn't what the team needed and it looks like it's time for him to go.

Bol doesn't produce on the floor nor impact the team. Although he re-signed with the Suns during the offseason, it's not an ideal move to keep him. The team has time until he'll be eligible to be traded after Oct. 05, 2024. Before the season starts, Phoenix could think what they'll do with the big man's future with the team.

The big man is about to enter his sixth season but hasn't taken off. Most of it is because the teams he's joined haven't given him chances to learn on the court. The Suns don't have time to develop Bol since they're contending for a title.

Damion Lee

Damion Lee missed the entire 2023-24 season as he dealt with a meniscus injury that required surgery. A season ago, he was a decent contributor, averaging 8.2 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He also appeared in 74 games, showing his willingness to play for the Suns.

With the team's All-Star trio, it could be difficult for Lee and the other players to adjust once he's back. He hasn't played in over a year and his inclusion in the team could be a demanding transition. Other players like Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale have also emerged as key role players, leaving little room for the former Golden State Warrior to fit in.

There's also the fact that Phoenix has loads of wing players, including the stars.

His championship experience is crucial to the team. However, he won't provide a ton on the court, which is what the team might demand from him. Like Bol, Lee won't be eligible for a trade until October as he re-signed with the Suns. When the right time comes, the front office should steadily consider his future with the team.

Nassir Little

It could be impossible to trade Nassir Little this season. He has one of the worst contracts in the team. After he signed a four-year, $28 million contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers, the team traded him to the Suns. Phoenix still owes the forward $21.7 million over the next three seasons and they aren't getting the production his contract demands.

Little was excellent in his final season with the Blazers. He posted 6.6 points and 2.6 rebounds while shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc. The two-way player was to be a vital three-and-D player to complement the Big 3. However, he struggled to fulfill the offensive side of the expectations for him and only shot 30 percent from beyond the arc.

Trading Little will be tricky since he has a massive contract. No team could be willing to execute a trade for a player struggling to contribute offensively. But with the arrival of Jones, the smart move would be to trade the forward to open up a spot in the roster.

Reign Karlmarc Amurao

Reign Karlmarc Amurao

Lifelong basketball nerd and also a freelance sportswriter. NBA analyst for Sportskeeda and former contributor for Air Alamo. Started being a fan of the Phoenix Suns since the Steve Nash era.