The Phoenix Suns are still interested in trading for Indiana Pacers guard TJ McConnell, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
However, the Suns may not trade for McConnell since they don’t have any readily tradeable players left on the roster. McConnell also wants to stay with the Pacers.
“The Suns remain interested in trading for Indiana’s TJ McConnell, league sources say,” Stein wrote. “Doesn’t mean, however, that a deal will happen. After shipping Cameron Payne to San Antonio earlier this month, Phoenix has no readily tradeable players left on its roster until free agents become eligible to be dealt Dec. 15. Word is McConnell, furthermore, is hopeful of staying with the Pacers.”
The Suns traded Cam Payne to the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Paul to the Washington Wizards in the Bradley Beal trade. The team needs a traditional point guard.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: TJ McConnell, Indiana Pacers & Phoenix Suns Updates
McConnell appeared in 75 games for the Pacers last season. He averaged 8.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 54.3% from the field, 44.1% from beyond the arc and 85.3% from the free-throw line.
The 31-year-old McConnell has career averages of 7.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists with the Philadelphia 76ers and Pacers. The veteran will make $8.7 million next season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: TJ McConnell, Indiana Pacers & Phoenix Suns Updates
Beal will enter the 2023-24 training camp as the Suns’ projected starter at point guard, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic. Phoenix is expected to start Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Deandre Ayton. It’s unknown who the fifth starter will be.
Beal averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists for the Wizards last season. The three-time All-Star shot 50.6% from the field, 36.5% from beyond the arc and 84.2% from the free-throw line.
Beal waived his no-trade clause to get traded to the Suns. The Miami Heat also spoke to the Wizards about a Beal trade, but the Florida product wanted to play with Booker and Durant.
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