https://www.si.com/nba/suns/analysis/phoenix-suns-could-take-unique-path-trade-deadlineSuns Could Take Unique Path at Trade Deadline
Rather than using a player, the Phoenix Suns could look to move their trade exception gained from the Cameron Payne deal.
DONNIE DRUIN
UPDATED:4 HOURS AGO
PHOENIX -- As the NBA's Feb. 8 trade deadline crawls closer, you'll see plenty of trade talk around the league - and the Phoenix Suns are no exception.
Currently sitting at 27-20 on the year, Phoenix has shaken their early season injury woes and have bounced back as of late after winning their last eight-of-ten.
Their star trio of Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker continues to find continuity on the court while various role players shuffle for positioning in the rotation come playoff time.
Thanks to their positioning in the luxury tax and lack of draft capital, the Suns don't exactly have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to trade resources.
Phoenix has reportedly been shopping Nassir Little and a handful of second-round picks they still own, though ESPN's Brian Windhorst suggested the team could look to take a different route.
In his article going through each team's most likely player to be dealt, the Suns didn't have a player listed, but rather the $6.5 million trade exception acquired in the Cameron Payne trade over the summer from the San Antonio Spurs. "The Suns can't trade any first-round picks, plus they have a full roster, very limited trade options and a $50 million tax bill. But owner Mat Ishbia is very aggressive, and the front office is creative," wrote Windhorst.
In short, the $6.5 million exception can theoretically represent the salary of a player in a trade and can be combined with picks/cash/players so long as Phoenix has an open roster spot.
The exception will expire at the end of this season - so the Suns would need to use it by the trade deadline. It's not often you see NBA trades with exceptions included, though it's a unique way for teams deep in the luxury tax to navigate the trade market.
Phoenix has to like the overall upward trend of play from their roster now that they're finally healthy, though it will be interesting to see if changes are made to the lineup before the end of next week.
More on who the Suns could target at the deadline:
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NBA Insider Reveals List of Suns Trade Targets-
The Phoenix Suns are reportedly eying these players on the trade market.
DONNIE DRUIN
JAN 26, 2024 4:48 PM EST
PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns are on a roll, having won their last seven games approaching tonight's contest against the Indiana Pacers.
Though they continue to climb up the Western Conference standings, the Suns are also actively searching for ways to improve their squad in the trade market.
As the Feb. 8 deadline approaches, deals around the league are slowly beginning to heat up.
Yahoo! NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed the following about the Suns and who they are targeting:
"Phoenix only has second-round capital at its disposal, plus Nassir Little and his four-year, $28 million contract, to consider for legitimate upgrades, as Phoenix appears intent on keeping Grayson Allen," wrote Fischer.
"While the Suns were once considered primarily shopping for guards – and they remain connected to players in that salary range such as Delon Wright and Monte Morris, sources said – the Suns now seem to be generally looking at various rotation-level players, ranging from Jae’Sean Tate to Royce O’Neale, sources said, to Miles Bridges and Charlotte teammate Nick Richards." Arizona Sports insider John Gambadoro added on Twitter/X the Suns are indeed interested in acquiring O'Neale.
There's been plenty of talk surrounding what Phoenix could possibly maneuver in the trade market given their lack of resources and capital. Allen projects as the biggest trade chip, though the Suns appear to be much better off keeping him in the lineup.
Allen said he'd like to stick around, too.
