The Suns have one post-deadline move that just makes sense

This is just a no brainer at this point.

The Phoenix Suns have not only had a disappointing season but also a disappointing trade deadline. This has led the Suns to not really have much success in this second half of the year. Phoenix is currently sitting 11th in the Western Conference with a record of 29-34. They also hold a record of 4-9 since the trade deadline.

With some teams still struggling in the West and getting injured, the Suns still have a chance to make the playoffs somehow though. That being said, the Suns still could make some moves that would push the narrative owner Mat Ishbia has set for this team heading into the season. It is one that the Suns will be competitive in and try to win.

So let’s dive into this and explore a transaction that helps that.

This makes total sense

Before we get into any Suns talk on Collin, I would like to advocate for his success before the Suns a bit more. He attended Villanova, where I went to their Big East Rival, Seton Hall. I had the unfortunate pain of being on the receiving end of his dominance in college for all four years I went there, twice a season. Eight times, I watched him absolutely torch any opponent in his way offensively, so this game is legit, ladies and gentlemen.

In recent contests we have seen one player get more time to step up due to injuries and he has delivered each time when being called upon. That would be the two-way guard from Villanova. The guard who the Denver Nuggets signed has been on a two-way throughout his career. Even though that is the case, Gillespie has proven that he deserves to be in this lineup for the Suns team in recent performances.

Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images

This season, in the three games where he saw more than ten minutes, he has hooped. His lowest shooting percentage in those three games, being 50% on eight attempts. In his most recent game, he hit a clutch three to beat the Los Angeles Clippers and sparked the comeback alongside his teammate Kevin Durant in the fourth quarter.

With guards Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen going through some injuries the last week and with Tyus Jones falling out of the starting lineup, it has opened up room for Gillespie to grow.

These smaller stories of Gillespie, Ryan Dunn and Bol Bol have kept fans engaged over this disastrous season. Since Collin has impressed in recent games, many would like him to be promoted to a standardized deal. This would allow the Suns to have his rights and be able to sign him to a long-term agreement for the future, ensuring the guard’s development in the Valley. For the Suns to do this though, they would have to waive someone as they are at roster limit with 15 people signed.

Who is the one to be waived and why?

You may think this is a hard decision, but it isn’t with the Suns roster.

Mike Budenholzer has failed to play a majority of this roster by benching them for a certain part of the season. That being said, if the Suns are bringing up a guard, they should waive one as well to keep some position disparity on this roster, (even if there is very little to start with.) That leaves us with some options, but one makes more sense than the others, Vasilije Micic.

The reason you may ask? Well, it has been reported that the guard would like to return to the Euroleagues after his short stint in the NBA. There are also reports that a team in Europe would be willing to make him the highest paid player in said league.

This would be intriguing to Micic as he has only played 20 seconds — yes, 20 seconds — with the Suns since he has been traded. In 12 games since he has arrived, he has ONLY PLAYED 20 seconds! Now, he was hurt for a bit but that is just a WASTE of a roster spot at this point (Ironically I have written one sentence about multiple spots on this team this year).

My stance on it all

This does not leave the Suns in a tough position at all. Micic was traded to be potentially waived anyways to drop below the aprons next summer so it is just cutting those ties earlier. Once again, if Mat Ishbia still wants to “win and stay competitive” this would be a move that shows that direction. It also allows the Suns to control Gillespie’s contract if they pivot and rebuild/retool.

This would help the Suns develop young talent alongside Oso Ighodaro and Ryan Dunn, along with whoever they receive.

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