NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Power Forwards The Phoenix Suns Need Try To Acquire
The Phoenix Suns have the reputation for run-and-gun play and more wings than bigs. However, they haven't won a title playing like that, and as a result, they need to start thinking about tweaking their identity. While they shouldn't abandon their fast paced offense, they need to find bigs that fit within their identity.
The next five names are possible trades that could be executed to help the Suns down low. Read on to see who the Suns should acquire to boost the team.
No. 5: Carl Landry, Sacramento Kings
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While Carl Landry is undersized, he makes up for that with his hustle and athleticism. He is currently averaging 12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game, mostly off the bench.
He is a capable jump shooter and is able to finish strong in transition. He is able to player with bigger forwards because of his athleticism and when he played with Houston he was one of the better power forwards in the league. While he doesn't give the Suns a bruiser, he gives them a player that fits nicely into the system.
Since he is a bench player it would be much easier to acquire him. My bet is either Josh Childress or Hakim Warrick and a second round pick should be enough. And with the possibility that the Kings go into a fire sale, since they are so bad, the chances of this deal could be more likely.
No. 4: Al Harrington, Denver Nuggets
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Al Harrington is one of the best shooting big men in the league and when he is on, he can be extremely dangerous. He is currently averaging 12.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and is shooting 38.9% from three point territory.
While his scoring is down this year, last year he averaged almost 18 points per game with the New York Knicks (which is very similar to the style the Suns use). I could see similar production coming from Harrington if he was traded to the Suns.
It would not be hard to acquire since the Nuggets are rumored to be looking around to see if anyone wants him. The only problem is whether or not the Nuggets would be willing to take on either Josh Childress's or Hakim Warrick's contracts in the team. Both signed long term contracts this off-season, and that could be a problem with the Nuggets.
If this trade was to get done, I expect Hakim Warrick and a second round pick would suffice.
No. 3: Andray Blatche, Washington Wizards
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Andray Blatche is having a very solid season with the Washington Wizards. He is averaging 16.1 points, 8 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.
He could be the type of low post presence the Suns could use: a physical defender and is a reliable mid-range shooter. He would work well in pick-and-roll situations with Steve Nash, since he could finish strong or pull up. He would give the Suns an defensive upgrade over Channing Frye and could still be counted on to score.
The only problem is since he's having a productive season, the Wizards might be reluctant to let him go. I think a package of Josh Childress, Gani Lawal, and cash would be enough to get Blatche. But like I said earlier, are the Wizards prepared to trade away 16 points and 8 rebounds?
No. 2: Jason Thompson, Sacramento Kings
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The 6'11" third year power forward is currently averaging 8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.4 blocks per game. He is very athletic and would fit well in the Suns uptempo system. He could be very dangerous in the pick-and-roll with Nash because of his shooting touch and athleticism.
He should not be very tough to acquire since the Kings are doing terrible and should be willing to listen to trades for everyone except Tyreke Evans. I could see either Childress or Warrick traded with a second round pick and cash for Thompson. Maybe even Gani Lawal could be included instead of the pick.
He is a great fit and if he is indeed traded to the Suns, he could potentially start right away or come off the bench and give Frye a break. Either way the Suns would have an even greater bench and an overall better team.
No. 1: Jeff Green, Oklahoma City Thunder
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Jeff Green is a very athletic power forward with a solid shot and is easily the best out of the five power forwards listed. This is why this is the most unlikely trade scenario, even though his contract is up at the end of this season.
Green is currently averaging 15.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1 steal per game. He is undersized but more than makes up for that with great leaping ability and long arms. He would drastically help the Suns and he could easily see an increase in his points and rebounds in the Suns system.
Since he is such an important piece to the Thunder, he would take much more to pry away. I think Hakim Warrick, Gani Lawal, cash considerations, and either a first or second round pick should be able to get Green and probably a second rounder. The one wrinkle is that he still would not have a contract extension and could walk after the season concludes.
The Suns need to see if he is available, and if so, they need to try and do a sign and trade with the Thunder. The above mentioned trade should be enough but you never know since the Thunder are very high on Green.
In Conclusion
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Regardless of who they trade for, the Suns need to make a move to get a solid power forward, and any of the names mentioned should fit in fine. The main names who could be traded for that power forward are Josh Childress and Hakim Warrick, and I fully expect one of them to be gone by the deadline.
So my message to Suns fans is: "Don't get your hopes up for a game changer, but expect a capable power forward to be traded to the Suns; just because he may not be a big name does not mean he can not make a difference."
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