While the Phoenix Suns continued hot pursuit of Jimmy Butler drags on, it’s evident that the Kevin Durant–Devin Booker–Bradley Beal big three experiment has run its fruitless course. On top of that, Phoenix is significantly underperforming this season. While negatives and question marks overshadow their season, Suns rookie Ryan Dunn has emerged as a bright spot amid Phoenix’s 22-21 season. So much so that sources report Dunn is untouchable and will not be included in any trade the team makes.
Suns Impressive Rookie Marked As Untouchable
Phoenix Suns Rookie Ryan Dunn Is Future Piece Part of the Franchise
The NBA is showcasing some high-quality rookie basketball this season. Names like Stephon Castle in San Antonio and Jaylen Wells in Memphis are showing out for their respective squads. Washington’s Alex Sarr has landed at number one on the Kia Rookie Ladder for the third consecutive week, continuing his rise as a first-year player. Others have started to come on strong lately, like Miami’s Kel’el Ware.
Where is Dunn’s place in all of this? He’s not quite up there on the rookie ladder with the more prominent names. However, he’s seemingly done enough for the Suns, which has moved the organization to keep him out of any trade talks, especially concerning Butler’s trade rumors. According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, a package for Butler will not include Dunn. If that is Phoenix’s stance in acquiring the disgruntled Heat star, it’s safe to say that Dunn’s progress this season will keep him out of any trade packages, period.
Dunn’s First-Year Emergence
You have to go back to October to hear Durant sing Dunn’s praises before the regular season had any miles under it. He lauded Dunn’s poise, physicality, and confidence in shooting the basketball early on. Dunn has run with it ever since. He has recently taken Beal’s place in the starting lineup, which speaks even further to his development. While his offensive numbers are considered low, his overall impact is the opposite.
Dunn averages 7.5 points on 45.4% shooting from the field. He also pulls down 3.5 rebounds per game and is showcasing his defensive strengths and decision-making in 20 minutes a night. His low-scoring numbers are probably the only reason he has not climbed the rookie ladder higher. The Suns, however, clearly feel that Dunn is on the right track on their own ladder. Considering that they appear unwilling to use him as a trade chip should only spark further confidence in Dunn as the back half of the season kicks off.
Butler Still in the Cards
A Butler to Phoenix trade still has legs, with or without Dunn. Considering the bevy of draft picks the Suns recently picked up from Utah, they appear more intent on using draft capital than roster pieces to acquire Butler. The same follows for another high-profile player, provided a trade for Butler falls through. With the Heat forward still in their sights, Phoenix doesn’t need to dangle Dunn unless Miami asks explicitly for him as part of a package.
Nevertheless, while Phoenix pursues trade options, Dunn’s place there looks grounded. If he continues to play as he is, he continues to give Sunsreasons to invest in him in the long term.
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