Suns reluctant to disrupt roster, eye only exceptional trades before Feb. 5 deadline
suns-reluctant-to-disrupt-roster-eye-only-exceptional-trades-before-feb-5-deadline
Phoenix Suns executives have no intention of breaking up the roster’s chemistry and will consider deals before the Feb. 5 trade deadline only if an “amazing” offer emerges, sources told Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.
General manager Brian Gregory and his staff remain open to discussions but are satisfied with a group that has exceeded preseason expectations. Projected to slip into the lottery after trading Kevin Durant and waiving Bradley Beal last summer, Phoenix has opened the season 26-17 and sits seventh in the Western Conference—just one game behind the fourth-place Minnesota Timberwolves.
Green’s return viewed as internal boost
The Suns are eager to see how guard Jalen Green integrates once he returns from a hamstring injury that has limited him to two appearances. The former No. 2 overall pick, acquired in the offseason, is on track to play Tuesday for the first time in nearly 2½ months, effectively giving Phoenix a deadline-week addition without a transaction.
Richards highlighted as possible trade chip
While a significant shake-up is unlikely, veteran center Nick Richards is considered a trade candidate. The 7-footer is on a $5 million expiring contract and has been overshadowed by Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro, with 2025 lottery pick Khaman Maluach labeled the franchise’s center of the future. Moving Richards could also slip Phoenix below the luxury-tax threshold, a financially appealing prospect as owner Mat Ishbia weighs future repeater penalties.
Power forward remains a long-term target
Rankin adds that power forward could be addressed down the line. The Suns pursued Jonathan Kuminga last summer and have been starting wings Dillon Brooks and Royce O’Neale at the four, making a potential upgrade more likely in the offseason than at the deadline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
