NBA Trades: Pass or pursue on 3 rumored Suns trade targets
By Dalton Sell
NBA Trades: Pass or pursue on 3 rumored Suns trade targets – Thaddeus Young
Thaddeus Young has been among the most prominent trade candidates linked to Phoenix this season. According to B/R’s Jake Fischer once again, the Suns reportedly have “strong interest” in trading for Young. Similar to Boston, Smith could be a key piece in a deal, as Fischer adds that the San Antonio Spurs have been frequently mentioned as a potential suitor for the big man.
Phoenix’s interest in Young is beyond justifiable. The savvy veteran is more than capable of playing either the power forward or center position, which would give the Suns another versatile piece to utilize, particularly on the defensive end.
Fans remember how the team’s biggest issue in last season’s NBA Finals was Phoenix’s inability to stop the freight train that was Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.
As the Suns gear up for another postseason run and even possibly another meeting with the Bucks way down the line, having Young on their side would be a tremendous boost, as his hulking stature could at least bother Antetokounmpo.
Financially, Young is on the books for an expiring $14.2 million this season. To match that salary, the Suns could offer the Spurs both Jalen Smith and the currently-injured Dario Šarić, along with one first-round pick to sweeten the pot.
Given San Antonio’s rumored interest in Smith and the inclusion of the first-rounder, that offer should be more than fitting, especially considering Young has been an afterthought in the rotation this season, playing a career-low 14.2 minutes per game. The Suns could not only free him, but also give him a shot to compete for a championship.
The verdict: Pursue