Phoenix Suns: Hedo Turkoglu and Josh Childress Trades are Pricey Bids To Contend

So the Suns tried to recover after all.

With fans in an uproar over the sub-par signings following Amare Stoudemire's exit (Channing Frye, Hakim Warrick), Phoenix decided to make a last-ditch attempt to stay in contention with sign-and-trade deals lined up to net Hedo Turkoglu and Josh Childress.

It is a series of moves showing the Suns aren't quite ready for a rebuilding effort. Turkoglu is 31 and locked into his contract through the 2013-14 season.

Phoenix can only hope they acquire the Turkoglu that spearheaded the 2009 Orlando Magic's NBA Finals run. The veteran from Turkey turned in a widely criticized 2009-10 campaign in which he averaged 11.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, his lowest output since the 2003-04 season.

AZCentral.com reported Turkoglu would be the starting power forward. While he does boast a 6'10" frame, don't expect him to hold his own against more bruising "fours" in the Western Conference.

Still, his playmaking abilities and versatile skill set should be invaluable to a team that depends on rhythm, ball movement and good shooting. The move may be worth the sacrifice of Leandro Barbosa and financial flexibility next year, but it will be interesting to see if Phoenix regrets this by the time Turkoglu hits his mid-30s.

With Childress, the Suns get an athletic talent to strengthen their already formidable bench. He'll slide into Barbosa's role, spelling Jason Richardson at the two-guard. Childress' energy will fit in perfectly with a bench that overwhelmed even the Lakers with their hustle and athleticism.

Does the combination of Turkoglu, Warrick, and Childress make up for the loss of Amare and Barbosa?

Jury's out until next season.