Phoenix Suns: 3 players most likely to be traded before deadline

If the Phoenix Suns make a move before the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline on Feb. 7, they’ll likely include one of the following three players.

With the fourth-worst record, third-worst defense and second-worst offense in the NBA this season, it’s pretty clear the Phoenix Suns haven’t “flipped the switch” towards winning again. Devin Booker and T.J. Warren have been banged up for various stretches, but even when they’ve been available, it’s been entirely too evident this is still a young, flawed team.

From a first-year head coach to an assortment of injuries to having three rookies in the starting lineup, it’s no surprise the Suns are the only team in the Western Conference with no shot of making the postseason. Their playoff drought will extend to nine years, and more than likely, we’ll see even more playing time for the youngsters once the Feb. 7 trade deadline comes and goes.

However, that’s not to say Phoenix will be in complete sell mode at the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline. While most teams in the tank race ship off their expiring contracts and established players for more youth or draft picks, the Suns will once again attempt to turn the page next season to convince Booker this franchise can eventually get back to its winning ways.

That doesn’t mean they’ll be in total buy mode either, since a lot of their future depends on the development of young cornerstones like Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Josh Jackson and De’Anthony Melton.

No one on this roster is untouchable outside of Booker and Ayton, and the Suns have a desperate need for an immediate upgrade at point guard, but with so many teams fixated on the playoffs and the season already all but lost, they may prefer to wait until free agency to address that position. They’ll also probably avoid taking on long-term deadweight salary just to pocket an extra draft pick or young player.

We could very well see a quiet trade deadline for a Phoenix Suns team that wants to improve but may simply have to wait for internal development and free agency to get there. In the event they do make a deal before Feb. 7, however, here are the three players most likely to be traded away.