Hawks G Bogdan Bogdanovic on Suns’ trade radar, per report

It’s clear from the NBA-wide whispers the Phoenix Suns have been active in information gathering about trade prospects.

Especially because they have yet to offload Jae Crowder, being proactive in searching for the right deal makes sense.

But few people have clarity about the Suns’ true intentions if they make a trade this season. It would make sense for them to find a wing to help in replacing Crowder behind new starting forward Cam Johnson.

There’s an argument, though, that Phoenix requires another on-ball initiator, regardless of whether Chris Paul is healthy (he is currently not) or if backup point guard Cam Payne is playing at a high level (he currently is).

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported that the Suns have eyes on Atlanta Hawks combo guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. His name entering the mix, however, might show just how undecided and open the Suns are about what move they most need to make.

I do not expect the Suns to have any interest in trading for Bogdan Bogdanovic. https://t.co/PEaJkrboep

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) November 22, 2022

The 30-year-old was a Phoenix first-round draft pick in 2014 who was dealt to Sacramento before he came to the United States. Bogdanovic has not played so far in 2022-23 as he recovers from knee surgery.

Last season, Bogdanovic averaged 15.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He was a 37% three-point shooter who can play on or off the ball.

The 6-foot-6 guard is a solid defender and has enough passing smarts to make up for a lack of high-level shake off the bounce.

He’s under contract through next season and making $18 million per year, according to Spotrac.

Further throwing him into the trade market is Atlanta’s offseason trade to pair Dejounte Murray with Trae Young in the backcourt. Furthermore, Atlanta has reportedly showed interest in acquiring Crowder from the Suns.

As O’Connor writes, there isn’t one obvious trade among the rumored candidates that makes sense for both Phoenix and a trade partner.

O’Connor confirmed a report last week from The Athletic’s Shams Charania that Phoenix has expressed interest in Atlanta forward John Collins, Washington’s Kyle Kuzma, Sacramento’s Harrison Barnes and Houston’s K.J. Martin.

Writes O’Connor on a Suns trade:

There’s no reason to rush, though. Crowder is long gone. The Suns should wait to see what they have in Paul once he returns before making a big decision that could determine their place in the championship race.

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