Phoenix Suns Receive: F Thaddeus Young
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F/C Dario Saric, F Jalen Smith, PHX 2022 2nd Round Pick, PHX 2026 2nd Round Pick
The San Antonio Spurs are rebuilding, and with a logjam at the power forward position, it seems realistic to think they would move Thaddeus Young while his value is high. The now 33-year-old power forward will be entering his 15th season in the league in October, and last season was one of his best all-around years in the league.
In 68 games with the Bulls, Thaddeus Young averaged 12.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and shot 55.9% from the floor, and was a really solid defender.
He acted as Chicago’s “do-it-all” guy in the frontcourt, which is why he could be a valuable asset for a contending team like the Phoenix Suns. The addition of JaVale McGee will take some pressure off of Deandre Ayton to do everything for Phoenix in the frontcourt, but they could still use another key frontcourt player.
On August 10, Phoenix Suns beat writer Evan Sidery suggested that Phoenix could be interested in adding Thaddeus Young to their roster after he was dealt with the Spurs. On August 30, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Suns are interested in pursuing Young.
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Overall though, the only way the Suns can acquire Thaddeus Young without giving up guys like Jae Crowder, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Johnson is by trading away last year’s first-round pick Jalen Smith and Dario Saric, who is currently recovering from offseason ACL surgery.
San Antonio would not only be adding another center to their roster who can contribute when healthy in Saric, but they would be adding a very versatile and raw big man prospect in Smith from the Suns.
The 21-year-old power forward/center has a chance to be a valuable rotational player, and on a team like the Spurs with other young, athletic talents, he could carve out a role for himself in time.
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The Spurs are not going to be making the playoffs this upcoming season and will take a step back to try and rebuild with their young players, which is why adding another young big man makes sense.
Jalen Smith and the two future second-round picks they get are the three valuable assets in this trade for San Antonio, and Dario Saric could be a possible trade asset for them to deal at a later time.
