After a strong start to the season, the Phoenix Suns have returned to earth some and now sit just three games above .500. Part of the Suns' struggles has been on the defensive end, where they rank 21st in defensive rating and 21st in blocks per game.
They don't have much in the way of rim protection, with Kevin Durant leading the team in blocks by a wide margin. That led to concern about whether their defense is good enough to take them deep into the playoffs. Particularly with a center such as Jusuf Nurkic manning the paint.
They’ve gotta figure out center. Nurkic is just a runway to the rim for any good offense. SGA would walk into 35 a night in that series. https://t.co/Pc4DXy0XSC
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) November 27, 2024
One potential option would be to make a trade, but that is complicated by the Suns being a second-apron team and having several restrictions. Fortunately, there is a trade target in their price range who could help.
NBA Mock Trades: Suns solve a major problem in clever deal with Spurs
San Antonio Spurs center Charles Bassey has found himself on the outside looking in on their rotation. Last season, before he went down with a season-ending knee injury, he was the team's backup center. However, with Victor Wembanyama now playing center, Zach Collins was forced to the bench, and Bassey has been pushed down to third in the depth chart.
He can still play and show that during a recent three-game absence from Wembanyama, he posted a terrific 11 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks off the bench against the Utah Jazz. He's a terrific rim protector and rebounder who fits the mold as a shot blocker and roll man who can catch lobs and finish at the rim.
There is some debate about whether the Spurs would be better off with Bassey or Collins as a backup center, given that Collins is a better offensive player while Bassey is a better defensive player. However, with Wembanyama playing the lion's share of minutes at center, both players are competing for just 15 minutes a game.
That could make Bassey expendable, and the Suns should have interest. They can trade Damion Lee or Bol Bol as well as Denver's 2031 second-round pick to the Spurs for Bassey.
With the Spurs having enough depth at center without Bassey, they may be willing to deal him for a second-round pick and even for a flyer on Bol. Meanwhile, the Suns would get more depth at center and give them a rim protector who can help address one of their biggest weaknesses.
Ultimately, with the West up for grabs, the Suns should look to shore up their weaknesses. While they are limited as far as options, Spurs center Charles Bassey might be a realistic trade target.