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Ranking The Phoenix Suns’ Best Trade Assets In 2016-17

By Gerald Bourguet

Jan 6, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) and center Tyson Chandler (4) high five on the court against the Charlotte Hornets at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 6, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) and center Tyson Chandler (4) high five on the court against the Charlotte Hornets at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phoenix Suns
Nov 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (11) pounds his chest after hitting a 3 point shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. The Suns won 92-87. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Brandon Knight

Out of all the players on the roster, the Suns probably wish that Brandon Knight was at the top of this list, because for that to happen, he’d have to possess, you know, actual value as a trade asset.

Whether the front office eventually wanted to deal Knight or enjoy him as a super sixth man, his performance in 2016-17 has been more disappointing than ever. The demotion to bench duty in favor of a 20-year-old reflected poorly enough on Knight as it was; now his play with the second unit is exacerbating the issue.

Through the first 25 games of the season, Knight is averaging 12.9 points and 2.9 assists in 24.3 minutes per game off the bench — a far cry from the 17.8 points, 5.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game on .435/.409/.881 shooting splits he averaged two years ago with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Not only is Knight shooting a career-worst 37.8 percent from the floor and 32.5 percent from three-point range, but he’s also ranked dead-last in the NBA — out of 443 players — in total plus/minus, at -216. The remaining three years and $43.9 million remaining on his contract after this season doesn’t help either.

The Suns certainly don’t have Knight out there for his defense or his passing, so when his streaky shot isn’t on, he’s all but useless out there. At this point, he’s basically earning minutes to avoid anyone’s feelings getting hurt, which would threaten the team’s “family first” mentality.

Games like his 32-point outburst in a loss against the Nuggets shows he has value when he’s on, but as much as trading Knight would be the best-case scenario for this team’s long-term future, it seems highly unlikely Phoenix will find a trade partner willing to offer anything noteworthy for his services.

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