The Phoenix Suns’ first half of the season is not what fans expected going into the year, currently sitting as the ninth seed in the West. With a record of 24-22, this could be worse, but definitely not great. Since the trade deadline is looming, the Suns are expected to be aggressive on the market. The Suns have long been linked to Jimmy Butler; however, it’s unclear if the Suns will be able to land him. If the Suns can’t land Butler, they would likely look to target some impactful role players. Trading for a quality role player feels more realistic and would still be quite impactful. With that in mind, let’s look at some possible trade targets for the Suns.
3 Under the Radar Trade Targets for the Phoenix Suns
Obi Toppin
The Phoenix Suns lack multiple roles on this team, and getting Obi Toppin would fill one of them. Kevin Durant is the only traditional power forward on the roster. Royce O’Neale also plays some small ball four. Adding Toppin gives the Suns a better interior defensive power forward with rebounding. Durant and O’Neale can do these things but are more known for scoring and perimeter defense. Toppin averages 9.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 1.6 APG on 53.6 FG%, 35.2 3P%. He could be a guy who could ultimately come off the bench for this unit and slot O’Neale as the backup small forward. Toppin also can play some small ball five, something coach Mike Budenholzer has gone to this season with Durant. Adding another tool to that arsenal of tricks could come in handy to secure a big win later on.
Chris Boucher
With the Suns still needing some frontcourt help calling up the Toronto Raptors could help them. Since the Raptors are towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference they are more likely to sell. The Raptors’ big man Chris Boucher has been in trade discussions dating back to last season. This year though, he is on an expiring contract of $10.8 million which makes him more expendable. His recent stretch of great play as well has also moved his stock up. This season he is averaging 10.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 0.6 APG on 50.5 FG%, 37.2 3P%. Boucher would add some needed size to this frontcourt as they are without Jusuf Nurkic still serving DNPs. He also can play that power forward position either off the bench or run some small ball five like Toppin as well. Boucher is also a better three-pointer shooter than Toppin. With the Suns lacking a three-point scoring big this could help fill that hole in the roster.
Kelly Olynyk
Similar to Chris Boucher, Kelly Olynyk would bring a lot of the same elements to this team. For the Raptors, keeping either of these players isn’t necessary for their rebuild. Olynyk this season is averaging 7.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 2.3 APG on 51.0 FG%, and 48.6 3P% for the Raptors. He would once again bring another lethal three-point shooting big to this roster. Head coach Mike Budenholzer has wanted a player who can do this. Having Olynyk shooting almost 50% from three intrigues me as a shooting big. Olynyk though is on a two-year deal compared to Boucher which means the Suns would have him for two seasons. Is that something that the Suns would be willing to take?
The Last Word
Even with the Suns making a move for Nick Richards, they still need some added help in the frontcourt. By looking at some of these options, they would be able to fill some holes they truly have on this roster. With both of these teams being in the Eastern Conference as well, it could be easier to swap players. The real question is who will be sent out to get one of these pieces, and how much draft capital needs to be attached?
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