The Phoenix Suns have had to deal with a lot of injuries to key players during the 2022-23 NBA season. They are currently in eighth place in the Western Conference with a record of 24-24, trying to stay afloat until they can get healthy.
Devin Booker remains sidelined with a groin injury and has played in only 29 games this season. Cam Johnson recently returned to the lineup after suffering a meniscus injury. The same goes for Chris Paul, who missed seven games because of a hip injury.
That wasn’t the first time this season that Paul has missed extended time because of an injury as he has appeared in only 27 games. Earlier this season he was sidelined for 14 games because of an injury to his heel.
While Paul is still having a positive impact when he is on the court, the injuries are concerning. As a result, Phoenix has begun the process of evaluating what life after Paul at the point guard position could look like.
According to Marc Stein on his Substack, three players have been identified as trade targets; Terry Rozier of the Charlotte Hornets, Immanuel Quickley of the New York Knicks, and Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Phoenix Suns, Terry Rozier, Immanuel Quickley & Fred VanVleet Updates
Stein added that Quickley does not look like he will be made available at the deadline, which is not very surprising. He is a key part of the Knicks’ rotation and has taken on a bigger role on the second unit with Derrick Rose being removed from the rotation. Quickley has seen significant minutes in the fourth quarter and crunch time as well for Tom Thibodeau.
VanVleet’s future is up in the air as the Raptors have fallen in the standings. In line for a big extension this offseason, Toronto could opt for a full teardown and rebuild the roster around reigning Rookie of the Year, Scottie Barnes.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Phoenix Suns, Terry Rozier, Immanuel Quickley & Fred VanVleet Updates
However, it is Rozier that is likely the most attainable of the three aforementioned guards. Currently, with the third-worst record in the NBA, Charlotte seems open to moving veterans such as Rozier. The Hornets would love to slash some long-term money off their payroll and are fully invested in the Victor Wmebanyama sweepstakes.
