Babby: Suns aren’t actively looking to trade
Feb 23, 2012, 5:54 AM | Updated: 5:58 am
The Phoenix Suns are halfway through their season — entering the All-Star break on a sour note. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Suns, 106-104 Wednesday on a last second shot by Monta Ellis.
It was a heart-wrenching and excruciating way to end a rocky first half. The Suns had hoped to build some momentum heading into the break and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
For Suns’ President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby, the decision to make a move before this year’s March 15 trade deadline won’t be dictated by a last-ditch effort to make the playoffs.
“I don’t think we’re interested in any short-term fixes,” Babby told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf Wednesday. “We’re interested in things that are going to make the Suns an elite team in the future.”
In fact, Babby doesn’t anticipate the Suns being active players at this year’s trade deadline regardless of his team’s place in the standings.
“There really isn’t anything — we were just talking about this today,” Babby stated. “I don’t really see anything on the horizon.”
Babby also stressed the importance of staying disciplined when evaluating potential roster changes. He would only make a move if he felt it would benefit the Suns in the long-term, as well as the present.
“Temporary gratification is not where we need to be right now,” Babby explained. “Sure we’d love to make the playoffs, but not at the expense of compromising the future.”
Still, if the right opportunity presents itself then Babby says he would be willing to act.
“You’re always looking for ways to make your team better,” Babby said. “I am sure conversations will occur and the only way we’ll do something is if it makes us better and it has to make us better and consistent with our plan of what we’re trying to do moving forward.”
