Jason Thompson To Phoenix Suns? How and Why It Needs To Happen

A new name, Jason Thompson, recently surfaced in the ever evolving NBA trade rumors. Thompson, a 6'11" power forward of the Sacramento Kings, finds himself struggling to find minutes in the Kings' deep frontcourt. 

Despite a solid sophomore year last season during which he averaged 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, Thompson is currently stuck behind fellow Sacramento big men DeMarcus Cousins, Samuel Dalembert, Carl Landry and Darnell Jackson on the depth chart. Thompson has averaged just 15.4 minutes per game throughout the first seven games of the season, and has been forced to play out of position at small forward due to the Kings' packed backcourt rotation. 

It seems the Kings organization no longer considers Thompson to be an essential part of the rebuilding process, and are reportedly shopping him on the trade market. The Heat, Suns and Raptors have reportedly shown interest in acquiring the young big man. 

And for a young, athletic big man looking to find his place in the league, there's no better place than the desert and no better point guard than Steve Nash. 

The Suns have started the 2010-2011 NBA season with arguably the weakest backcourt in the league. Hedo Turkoglu has assumed the starting power forward job previously held by Amar'e Stoudemire, and has done little to soften the blow dealt by Stoudemire's departure for New York. Turkoglu is averaging just 10 points and three rebounds per game and has shown a frustrating inability to compete with other power forwards around the league.

Fortunately, his backup Hakim Warrick has been much more productive, averaging over 12 points and five rebounds per game while shooting 61 percent from the field. The ultra-athletic Warrick looks significantly more comfortable in the Suns' uptempo than Turkoglu and Suns coach Alvin Gentry has reportedly stated that Warrick will start over Turkoglu on certain nights to deal with matchups. 

Although there have been some problems at power forward, the Suns' real weakness currently lies at the center position. Robin Lopez and Channing Frye have been sharing time at the position, and both players have been very inconsistent, each averaging less than six points and six rebounds per game. 

Frye started last season shooting the lights out, but hasn't been able to find the range coming off the bench for his first few games. Meanwhile, Lopez has struggled with mobility since a back injury sidelined him for much of last season.

Enter Jason Thompson, who possesses the size to play the center position (6'11", 250 pounds) and the athleticism to thrive in the Suns' uptempo offense. After spending the first two seasons of his career receiving dimes from Beno Udrih and Tyreke Evans, Thompson will experience a huge boost from playing alongside a true point guard like Nash with legendary passing skills. 

The trade I envision working out well for both clubs would be Jared Dudley (and possibly a draft pick) for Jason Thompson. Dudley would provide the Kings with three-point shooting, excellent defense and extreme hustle. Sacramento could use some added depth at the wing positions, and Dudley would certainly be more effective at small forward than Thompson has been when forced to play there. 

Not only would the addition of Thompson provide the Suns with an upgrade at center, but it would allow certain players to play positions they are more fit for. Dudley's departure would allow Turkoglu to move back down to the small forward position, where he could split time with veteran Grant Hill.

Meanwhile, the Suns would now have a deeper, stronger frontcourt and a reliable rebounder. The Suns could go for an athletic lineup and start Warrick and Thompson at the 4 and 5 spots, respectively, or they could have Frye resume his role of stretch 5 while Thompson worked inside at the power forward position. 

The Suns should definitely pursue a trade for Jason Thompson. On a team deprived of size and rebounding ability, Thompson would help the Suns greatly in both of those areas and make Phoenix a legitimate playoff contender. I sincerely hope that the Suns manage to acquire him in a trade so that such a great talent doesn't go to waste wallowing on the bench.