PHOENIX SUNS

Suns GM McDonough: Tucker trade opens up more minutes for younger players

Feb 24, 2017, 4:53 PM | Updated: 4:57 pm

From left to right, Phoenix Suns  second-round draft pick Tyler Ulis and first-round draft picks Dr...

From left to right, Phoenix Suns second-round draft pick Tyler Ulis and first-round draft picks Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss are introduced to the media as head coach Earl Watson smiles, Friday, June 24, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

(AP Photo/Matt York)

LISTEN: Ryan McDonough, Suns' General Manager

There were several reasons for the Phoenix Suns to trade P.J. Tucker to the Toronto Raptors.

Looking beyond Tucker’s value being higher on a contender and the veteran being on an expiring contract, his spot opening up in the rotation gives head coach Earl Watson more breathing room when it comes to playing the younger players.

The team’s general manager Ryan McDonough believes the youngsters looking for more playing time will get it.

“I think over the rest of the season, you’ll see Marquese Chriss play a little bit more, Dragan Bender when he gets healthy hopefully will play some more, T.J. Warren has played a lot, I think he might even play more, and then you might even see a guy like Derrick Jones Jr. fill some minutes as well,” he said on Burns & Gambo on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

As far as a “youth movement,” McDonough confirmed something of that sort is coming for the last 25 games of the season.

“Obviously, we’ve discussed it with coach Watson and his staff,” McDonough said.

The GM went on to say the players are absolutely aware of the plan and some of the thought behind a Tucker trade was to give the aforementioned players more time.

In order for that to happen, some of the veterans will have to play less, even with Tucker heading out.

A player specifically mentioned by McDonough as being accepting of the role was Tyson Chandler, who plays the most minutes among all Suns’ big men. Three of the four players behind Chandler — Alex Len, Bender and Chriss — are playing on a rookie contract.

McDonough said a specific conversation with Chandler did take place regarding a potential dip in playing time.

“It’s been discussed,” McDonough said.  “We want to have that discussion prior to the deadline, just in case he was not. We would understand if he wasn’t and might have caused us to make another move yesterday.”

Chandler was reportedly pursued by the Portland Trail Blazers, but his veteran presence is clearly valued by the organization.

“He loves the coach, he loves the young guys and looks forward to being a big part of what we’re building here.”

Phoenix Suns

Isaiah Thomas...

Dan Bickley

Isaiah Thomas signing is a wild swing for Suns in desperate times

Isaiah Thomas is a born fighter. He’s beaten the odds. The chip on his shoulder is permanent. It’s easy to rally around a player like him.

10 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Are the Phoenix Suns superstars done with Frank Vogel?

On Monday's Bickley Blast, Dan Bickley asks the question if the Suns' superstars have had bad body language recently and if it's because they want Frank Vogel gone.

15 hours ago

Dalton Knecht, Tennessee...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should be watching during March Madness

The Phoenix Suns are slated to have a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and they could select one of the stars of the NCAA Tournament.

1 day ago

Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix ...

Kellan Olson

Suns’ shocking lack of urgency continues in loss to Bucks without Giannis

The Phoenix Suns are playing like they have been afforded the luxury of time. But they are just about to run out of it.

1 day ago

Josh Okogie #2 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the second half of the NBA game at Footp...

David Veenstra

Suns’ Josh Okogie out for matchup vs. Bucks, Antetokounmpo also out

Phoenix Suns' Josh Okogie is out for Sunday's game against the Bucks. Okogie has missed the past seven games with a lower abdominal strain.

2 days ago

Isaiah Thomas...

Damon Allred

Isaiah Thomas to return to Suns on 10-day contract, per report

Nearly two years since his last NBA minutes, point guard Isaiah Thomas is planning to sign a 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns.

2 days ago

Suns GM McDonough: Tucker trade opens up more minutes for younger players