UNCATEGORIZED

Grading the Seven Days of Suns Trade-mas: How likely are the deals?

Jan 15, 2017, 5:27 PM

Phoenix Suns' Tyson Chandler and P.J. Tucker sit during the fourth quarter of the team's NBA basket...

Phoenix Suns' Tyson Chandler and P.J. Tucker sit during the fourth quarter of the team's NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, in Phoenix. The Nets defeated the Suns 116-106. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

LISTEN: Empire of the Suns

In the past week and a half, we’ve posted seven different trade ideas to center a discussion around the polarizing possibilities surrounding the Phoenix Suns’ roster until the Feb. 23 trade deadline.

The existence of these posts was not our way of suggesting these deals would or should happen, but rather a way to explore the value of the players on the roster.

To take that extra step, however, let’s review all seven of the trades and give it a likelihood score on a scale of 1-10.

The deal to blow it all up

Kellan’s Eric Bledsoe deal from last week was focused on the idea of the Suns trading their best player and effectively beginning a hard reset. The difficulty in finding a deal that would make some sense was high. It required a team that would theoretically want Bledsoe, had the assets to acquire him and be willing to let go of said assets.

Orlando was one of the best matches. As mentioned in the piece, Aaron Gordon’s playing out of position and the Magic have committed to the players blocking him from playing power forward. They were also rumored to be looking for offensive help at point guard.

There’s no read on how available Bledsoe would be in a deal currently, and since the team is in year seven of a playoff drought, it’s even tougher. That’s not including Orlando, who for all we know, could view Gordon as untouchable and as its best basketball asset (which he probably is). With that in mind, Bledsoe’s trade value is right around its peak and the Suns aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Grade: 4/10

Reuniting P.J. Tucker and Jeff Hornacek

If there’s one deal in our speculation special that could happen, it’s this one.

Everything lines up here.

Tucker is the type of role player the Knicks need, New York has barely any assets they would be willing to give up to get someone better and Hornacek knows what Tucker can do in the right role.

You’d be getting desperate to find reasons why either team wouldn’t do this deal. From New York’s side, maybe they don’t like giving away any draft picks for a rental (Tucker’s deal is expiring) or value Kuzminskas for the present and/or future more than Tucker.

Grade: 8/10

Trading Chandler, paving the way for Len

On the surface, this deal has merits.

Portland’s rumored to be interested, the Suns get a first-round pick, keep the minutes at center clean and commit to Len as their long-term center.

Even if Tyson Chandler is playing well, however, it’s unclear how much teams are scared off by the two years on his deal following this season. To flip that, the Suns might see that as a reason he’s more valuable and with his play rebounding the basketball, it’s fair to assume they could get more in the deal.

Grade: 6/10

The deal to get Brandon Knight to a rumored destination

What hurts the rumors of Knight to Sacramento is Rudy Gay being the only real fit in a deal because he wants to leave and the only other contract size that fits is Aaron Afflalo, who has another $12.5 million guaranteed next season that no team should want after how poor he’s played this season.

That creates a bunch of hoops to do flips through and while we picked up some bumps and bruises along the way, the end result was a backcourt in Sacramento of Knight and Evan Turner.

The Kings’ well-known desperation to get better and history of being on the wrong end of lopsided deals helps this one stay afloat, but not by much.

There’s also the unknown answer of how much the Suns value Knight and if they will “punt” on him this much by taking two low first-rounders that are very unlikely to come close to what they gave up for him.

Grade: 3/10

Reshaping the guard rotation

There are several elements of this deal that work. The Suns get a legitimate asset back for Brandon Knight, the Magic get a legitimate future asset back for Mario Hezonja and most importantly, it’s a trade that makes the Magic better right now.

That is, of course, if the Magic still believe Knight can be a good NBA point guard again. Any team dealing for Knight is going to have to think that because of how poor his play has been in Phoenix, and that’s limiting this grade based on good ole’ assumption.

Grade: 5/10

Acquiring the disgruntled, promising big man

This deal died a slow death in the past two weeks since Nerlens Noel sparked the 76ers in his return to the rotation.

Philadelphia (!) has won five of their last seven games on the backs of centers Joel Embiid and Noel. Having the duo not play together, but instead switch off, completely changes the outlook of the 76ers. Noel’s success on defense was noted and Embiid is one of the best defensive rookies the NBA has seen in a long time. Having one of them on the floor at all times combined with the 76ers defense has made them a top-five team in defensive rating since his return in late December and top-10 in the NBA for the season.

The chances of Noel being traded was nearly guaranteed after so much noise in the offseason, but after the Sixers’ — at least for the past couple of years — unprecedented win streak, it would be foolish for them to bail on Noel.

Grade: 1/10

The all-in move for Boogie

Even putting aside the reported contract extension in the works for DeMarcus Cousins, the Suns are 1) not in a position to make a move on this scale and 2) would struggle to outbid teams like Boston and Denver if they really wanted the star big man. That’s not even taking into consideration the Kings side, which would very likely be a no in search of a better deal.

Grade: 0/10

Uncategorized

Paul Burkett

Dbacks Home Opener Tickets

The DBacks are back in action!! Register below for the chance to see your 2023 National League Champs debut on Opening Night!!

1 month ago

Promotions

Win the Valentines Day Prize Pack

One lucky winner will win a pair of tickets to the Ren Festival, two tickets to the Arizona Coyotes game tomorrow night and a brand new Stanley Cup!

1 month ago

Promotions

CopperBlues Wings & Roses Suns Ticket Giveaway

Enter below for your chance to win a pair of tickets to a future Phoenix Sun’s game!!

1 month ago

Samantha Hampton

Here Come The Suns Weekend Giveaway

WIN THE ULIMATE ARIZONA WEEKEND GIVEAWAY INCLUDING: -2 Waste Management tickets – 2 Phoenix Suns v Jazz on 2/8 tickets -2 Frank Caliendo tickets      

1 month ago

Bol Bol...

Damon Allred

Bol Bol, Damion Lee only injured Phoenix Suns going into Kings matchup Tuesday

Phoenix Suns center Bol Bol is out with a right foot sprain for Tuesday's game when the Suns host the Sacramento Kings at Footprint Center.

2 months ago

Promotions

Copper Blues Premium Giveaway

Register below for your chance to win premium lower-level tickets to the Warriors vs Suns game tonight!

4 months ago

Grading the Seven Days of Suns Trade-mas: How likely are the deals?