The availability of some big names is fueling discussion among competing teams, including the Phoenix Suns in first place, especially this weekend during the All-Star hiatus.
While HR managers grapple with whether to stay seated or get proactive, there are some great ideas and some that will never pass the odor test.
There are some who might fit into this team led by Chris Paul and Devin Booker, whose recent expulsion raises some questions.
The Phoenix Suns have fulfilled all expectations for success, but now have to decide whether they want to take a big step.
Needs are few, thanks to a great off-season from Sun’s GM James Jones and his team, but there are concerns about the backup big man spots. Dario Saric was very solid and Frank Kaminsky was a surprise, but any improvement could mean further success.
While multiple names have emerged – including Kevin Love, JaVale McGee, PJ Tucker, and DeMarcus Cousins - the Suns may choose to stick to what works and knock before the March 25 close of trading.
On the other hand, there are names that deserve a closer look.
We offer three potential destinations for Phoenix and whether they make sense.
Phoenix Suns consideration: Blake Griffin
We don’t know much about Blake Griffin’s preferred target. Is he anxious to beat the Clippers for their move to drive him away (to Detroit!)? The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for another useful Big.
In Phoenix, however, Griffin would be similarly motivated if his greatest corner was to punish the Clippers. The suns lead the Pacific division.
But Griffin has shown that he’s only in the name of Blake Griffin. Injuries and staffing adjustments have conspired to weaken its impact on the field of play.
Griffin turns 32 this month and has a pedestrian average of 12.3 points and 5.2 rebounds, which is well below his current career levels of 21.7 and 8.4.
He only played 18 games last season before a knee injury ended his campaign.
That season, it was closed after 20 games after agreeing with the Pistons that the team would seek a trade if it went on hold.
Neither team was crazy enough to act against this contract so he can now negotiate with a new team of his choice.
And the suns really, really shouldn’t be involved.
Consideration from Phoenix Suns: Andre Drummond
The NBA analysts hate his game. Almost everywhere you look there are numerous references to “blank statistics”.
Andre Drummond has legitimate problems.
The sun’s system is based on agile tall men who can turn on the perimeter and do the pick and roll. Drummond is 0-2 in these areas.
Fair? Well, enough experts agree – but Drummond puts up 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game and brings certain advantages to the low post defense.
Drummond led the NBA in defensive profit shares for two consecutive seasons with Detroit (2017-19), but his defensive play is tailored for 1988 rather than 2021.
Deandre Ayton’s strong first half on the rebound list – # 7 in the NBA at 11.4am – is a huge plus for Phoenix, and Drummond, whether he plays with or instead of Ayton, wouldn’t hurt that category.
At this point, however, Drummond would be quite a commitment – and risk. It’s only available through retailers, and with a cap of $ 28.7 million this season, that won’t happen in Phoenix.
Drummond, like Griffin, was shut down by his team when Cleveland was up in business. He hasn’t played since February 12, but if he’s bought out there may be a small, small chance.
Phoenix Suns reflection: Hassan Whiteside
It wasn’t until last season that 7-foot Hassan Whiteside came up with big numbers, leading the NBA in blocked punches (2.9 per game) while scoring 15.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game with Portland.
This season he’s stuck in Sacramento’s downward spiral and doesn’t get much playing time. If the kings buy it out, it’s worth a look.
Whiteside, 31, is a fierce rim protector and shot blocker. He is in his 11th season and has 20 playoff games.
Further playoff motivation could delay Father Time by a few months.
He played 30 minutes per game last season; He only plays 14.6 mpg with Sacramento. It’s reasonably fresh for the second half of the season.
Since he plays with a minimum contract, Whiteside would be affordable at least for Phoenix, which now has to rely on Saric and / or Kaminsky to guard opposing bigs on the track and in the playoffs.
This is a situation that the Suns’ brain confidence must believe can be improved. With two all-stars, Booker and a well-deserved Chris Paul, the future is now.
If the Suns are looking to make a significant transaction, that works best – provided Whiteside has a buyout and good health.
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