Phoenix Suns Receive: F Thaddeus Young

San Antonio Spurs Receive: C/F Jalen Smith, F Dario Saric

The San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns come together on a deal that will be beneficial for both teams in this scenario. It is the second time that Thaddeus Young will be on the move since the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, as the Suns will be his third team in the span of a few months.

Young was acquired by the Spurs from the Chicago Bulls as part of the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade. Young, Al-Farouq Aminu, a future first-round pick, and two future second-round picks were sent to San Antonio in exchange for DeRozan. Now, the Spurs will flip him again for more pieces and that’s why he’s a name to watch in NBA trade rumors.

Coming to the Spurs in exchange for Young is Jalen Smith and Dario Saric. Smith was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft out of Maryland. Saric is likely out for the season but is a solid combo player in the frontcourt when healthy. He provides some floor spacing and versatility defensively.

For the Spurs, this trade makes a lot of sense. They are not in a position to contend currently, so taking a look at a lottery pick from 2020 is a smart move. Smith has an intriguing combination of skill as a bouncy athlete that can space the floor and protect the rim.

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San Antonio is better equipped to develop him, as he still needs time to reach his potential. Why would the Suns trade away a lottery pick after his first season? Let’s take a look at why Phoenix would do this trade.