5 Dream trade deadline targets for Suns (and what they'd cost)
The Suns should try to add these players before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
By Tyler Watts
The Phoenix Suns went virtually all-in to acquire Bradley Beal last summer. They have just a handful of second-round draft picks left to trade, but the franchise wants to improve their roster before the deadline. Phoenix is currently sixth in the Western Conference, but just one game from being in the Play-In Tournament. The Suns have contracts to move, but can they put together an enticing enough package to significantly improve their roster?
Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Beal make arguably the best Big 3 in the NBA. The Suns do not need more top-end talent. Their focus should be on depth pieces and role players that enhance their title odds.
Who can the Suns realistically acquire before the Feb. 8 trade deadline? Here are five dream targets and what it would cost to land each.
5. Jae’Sean Tate
The Suns have been linked to Tate, and the Rockets want to improve their roster before the deadline. Houston is unhappy about being 11th in the Western Conference. Their goal is to make the playoffs and it will likely take a roster shakeup to make that happen.
Tate is averaging a career-low 18.2 minutes per game this season but remains a strong defender. The Suns are 16th in defensive rating and would love to vault into the top ten. Usually being in the top third on both ends of the floor is a requirement for title contention. Phoenix is eighth in offense and could look to acquire a defensive boost before the deadline.
What would it cost to acquire Tate: 2 2nd round draft picks plus salary-matching
Tate is seventh on the Rockets in minutes per game this season, and Houston is trying to find more run for Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson. Trading Tate would certainly open up some room, and the Suns could get a bargain. It would likely only cost them two second-rounders to land the 6’4 forward before the trade deadline.
Jae’Sean Tate is far from the only trade target the Phoenix Suns are considering. They could look to upgrade their backcourt by landing a veteran point guard.