The Phoenix Suns have been officially eliminated from the NBA playoffs. They were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder. None of the games were particularly close, so they have a lot of work to do in the offseason. Still, they exceeded expectations this year.
Phoenix was not expected to make the playoffs this year. After trading Kevin Durant, the Suns were expected to fall off and become a lottery team. Instead, they were able to rally and change their identity. Now, they have work to do in order to return to the playoffs.
With their offseason now beginning, Bleacher Report has listed their top trade target as someone who was trying to get himself traded last season.
GettyMemphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant dribbles the ball. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
The Suns’ Top Trade Target Could Blow Up in Their Face
According to Bleacher Report, the Suns’ top trade target should be Ja Morant. Morant has had a tumultuous last couple of seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. He has only played 79 games in the last three years, so his value is very low. That’s exactly why Zack Buckley of Bleacher Report thinks they should target him.
“Look, maybe Morant is a lost cause, but that’s not the guarantee some would lead you to believe. He is 26 years old. He hasn’t been fully healthy in a while. His star has clearly faded, but this idea that it can’t ever re-ignite feels like glass-empty pessimism,” Buckley wrote.
Injuries and off-the-court problems have plagued Morant. Memphis already decided to trade Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr, signaling a rebuild. Getting rid of Morant would be the most logical step forward for them this summer, although they won’t get much for him.
The Suns clearly need players who are reliable scorers. When Morant is healthy, he is one of the most terrifying paint scorers at the guard position. He is also one of the most exciting. Bringing him in would be a roll of the dice that Mat Ishbia would have to consider to put more fans in seats.
GettyMemphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant drives the ball. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
Phoenix Will be Active This Offseason
After tasting some success this season, the Suns will likely be active this offseason. They clearly aren’t afraid to make big moves since Ishbia has taken over the team. This past season, they owned the 17th-best offense in the NBA. That number has to get better to win games in the postseason.
The Suns still have to figure out what’s going on with the center position. Jalen Green was hardly healthy enough this season to get an evaluation on how he fits with the roster. When he did play, he was just like he was in Houston, which was an inconsistent scorer.
Bringing Morant in likely wouldn’t solve their problems. They need more talented players in the frontcourt, and that is where their focus should lie this summer.
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