Hoops Habit
Fansided

Brandon Knight Trade Rumors: 5 Teams That Should Trade For Him

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 19, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (11) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 115-108. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (11) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 115-108. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
Brandon Knight Trade Rumors
Nov 16, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (11) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mentions

Atlanta Hawks:

The Atlanta Hawks‘ current backup point guard is Malcolm Delaney, so it’s safe to say they could use some backcourt help. Maybe they wouldn’t target Brandon Knight alone, but with 3-and-D veteran P.J. Tucker thrown in, would they consider parting ways with Kent Bazemore, who’s underwhelmed since his massive contract extension?

The Suns would get younger on the wing with the 27-year-old Baze, but not enough to warrant taking on his sizable deal. The Hawks may not be eager to face the same situation Phoenix does — having two starting-caliber guards who both believe they should be starting — after dealing with it last season between Dennis Schroder and Jeff Teague.

So what about an offer of Knight, Tucker and future draft considerations for Paul Millsap, who is reportedly available if the right deal comes along?

It’s a nice thought, but Atlanta will probably want/receive better offers on the trade market for Millsap, even if Knight would help the backcourt rotation and Tucker would go all out for a team that actually has a chance of making the playoffs.

Plus, Phoenix might have a hard time re-signing Millsap if he opts out of the final year of his contract this summer. For a rebuilding franchise, retaining youth and draft picks should be priority No. 1, not bringing in a 31-year-old star who’d probably rather compete elsewhere.

Dallas Mavericks:

In terms of teams that need backcourt help, the Dallas Mavericks are near the very top of the list. Unfortunately, unless they’re willing to part ways with Dwight Powell or a future draft pick (unlikely), they don’t really have any assets that would interest the Suns.

The most sensical thing for Mark Cuban would be to try and unload what’s left of Wesley Matthews‘ contract and start restructuring his team for rebuilding with youth, but another 2-guard wouldn’t interest Phoenix — especially with at least another year left on his contract. If the Mavs did target Knight, they’d need to get creative or desperate in doing so.

New Orleans Pelicans:

The New Orleans Pelicans badly need some kind of punch in the backcourt, especially with Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans both approaching free agency this summer. Other than Buddy Hield, the Pellies don’t really have any essential players that figure to be prominent in helping Anthony Davis build a championship roster.

Knight probably isn’t that piece either, but he’d be better with the ball back in hands and would be around for three seasons, unlike Holiday and Evans.

Unfortunately, the Pelicans’ best assets don’t have contracts that line up with Knight’s. Holiday and Evans wouldn’t interest Phoenix as upcoming free agents, leaving Solomon Hill as their most attractive offer. That’s not going to get it done, especially with Tucker, T.J. Warren and Dragan Bender (for some reason) already on the wing.