ESPN draws path for Suns to acquire Spurs’ Thaddeus Young in trade

ESPN’s NBA insiders released a list of five trades that could shake up this season’s playoff picture, and on that list was the Phoenix Suns adding another frontcourt piece in power forward Thaddeus Young.

The trade has Phoenix sending Dario Saric, former No. 10 overall draft selection Jalen Smith, a 2024 first-round pick (top-eight protected) and a 2025 second-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs for Young.

Although Phoenix acquired backup center JaVale McGee in the offseason, ESPN’s Bobby Marks thinks the veteran would add to one of the Suns’ best assets – versatility.

Young would not only give Phoenix another veteran presence but one who can play either forward position and provides an insurance policy at the backup center position. He is averaging a career-low 15.7 minutes this season for the retooling Spurs, but he has still managed to average 7.3 points and shoot 59.6% from the field.

Marks also mentions how Young will be a coveted target for many playoff teams, so he will come at a price. The price for the Suns would not only be omitting players and picks but potentially jeopardizing the team chemistry in place.

Phoenix still owes the Oklahoma City Thunder a first-round pick in 2022 from the trade that brought Chris Paul to the Valley.

The Suns currently start Jae Crowder at the power forward position with Cam Johnson listed as the backup in both forward positions.