USA Today’s Amick: Suns’ Brandon Knight asking price sinks at trade deadline
Feb 23, 2017, 10:11 AM
Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson, left, defends as Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight looks to pass the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
When it comes to the market value of point guard Brandon Knight, reality has hit the Phoenix Suns as the trade deadline approaches.
According to USA Today’s Sam Amick, the Suns’ backup comes with an asking price of an expiring contract and a high second-round pick.
That comes after Phoenix attempted to get more for the former starter who before the season was relegated to the bench. Amick reports the Suns set a “price too high” in discussions about Knight with the Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls.
Signed through the 2019-20 season, when he is set to make $15.6 million, Knight is averaging 11 points, 2.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game while shooting 39 percent overall and 32 percent from three-point range this year.
It’s no surprise Knight would like to be traded for a fresh start and a bigger role. It’s also not surprising his struggle to acclimate to a bench role behind Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker has hurt his value.
As ESPN’s Zach Lowe said on his podcast earlier in the week, Phoenix is attempting to deal Knight without having to give up more assets to entice another team to take on his contract.
“If they got a second(-round pick) for Brandon Knight, I would be pretty impressed honestly,” Lowe said on his podcast. “If they can get off of that contract without having to pay for it, I’d be impressed.”
