Brandon Knight trade rumors have been swirling for some time now, but if the Phoenix Suns manage to trade him, where might he end up? Here are five possible trade scenarios.
Before the 2016-17 season started, Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson called Brandon Knight the most important player on the team for accepting his demotion to sixth many duty behind Devin Booker. Just a few months later, it appears as though his mismatch with Phoenix could be coming to an end as Brandon Knight trade rumors take center stage.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Suns have been discussing a Knight trade with the Sacramento Kings since the summer, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him dealt there or to another team in need of backcourt help.
Last year, Knight averaged a career-high 19.6 points and 5.1 assists per game alongside Eric Bledsoe, but he shot only 41.5 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from three-point range.
This season, Knight has averaged 12.5 points and 2.7 assists per game on 39.6 percent shooting from the field — all career-lows — off the bench. Over the last three games he’s suited up for, Knight has played single-digit minutes, with Watson opting to play his defensively inclined rookie, Tyler Ulis, instead.
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With Knight being phased out of the rotation and failing to adapt to his sixth man role in Phoenix, a breakup would be best for both parties. His value isn’t particularly high at the moment, but he’s not that far removed from a borderline season with the Milwaukee Bucks in which he averaged 17.8 points, 5.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game on .435/.409/.881 shooting splits.
On a bottom-feeder team in need of point guard depth, or in a similar sixth man role with a more competitive team, Knight could very easily bounce-back in a more defined role. If the Suns are able to move him, what teams might be interested, and what would their trade offers look like?
Here’s a look at five potential Brandon Knight trade scenarios, including why each hypothetical deal would and wouldn’t work for both parties.