Some NBA teams have got room to improve. We might mean that in a couple of different ways. A team may have an incentive to improve, but no means. They’ve got room to improve, but at the same time, they don’t.
That’s the dilemma that the Phoenix Suns find themselves in. This team has been dreadfully disappointing in 2023-24. The Suns have room to improve.
Unfortunately, they don’t have much as far as assets go. The Suns won’t be able to broker any blockbuster deals. If they acquire a player, they’ll need to target buy-low opportunities. Players with pending contract negotiations might be options.
How about Saddiq Bey of the Atlanta Hawks?
NBA Trade Proposal: Phoenix Suns Land Atlanta Hawks’ Saddiq Bey
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Eric Gordon, F/C Bol Bol, 2028 Second-Round Pick (MEM via PHX), 2029 Second-Round Pick (MEM via PHX)
Phoenix Suns Receive: F Saddiq Bey
In the NBA, the goal is always an improvement. The only question is the timeline. Are you trying to improve now, soon, or years down the line?
The Suns have a clear timeline. They have from the moment that they acquired Kevin Durant. This team is trying to win now. Any move that Phoenix makes will be designed to try to improve their performance in 2023-24. This team isn’t thinking about the future past the end of this season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns Updates
For the Hawks, the timeline is a bit murkier. Trae Young is still just 25. The Hawks don’t have to rush. Still, there’s plenty of room for this team to improve, and they’d benefit if they could make strides.
Does this deal help them get there?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Possibly. Eric Gordon is an excellent fit with this roster. He’s got ample experience playing alongside a heliocentric ball-handler like Trae Young. As a member of the Houston Rockets, Gordon spaced the floor for James Harden and functioned as a release valve when necessary.
Granted, Gordon is much older now. That’s fine – he’s also on an expiring contract. He brings veteran leadership to this team, and once the season is over, he also provides them with some financial relief.
By contrast, Bol may not provide much. Still, it’s worth taking a flyer on his raw talent. Perhaps most importantly, Bey is due for an extension that the Hawks may feel they can’t afford next summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns Updates
Throw in a pair of second-round picks, and this deal makes sense for Atlanta. Does it do enough for Phoenix?
Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal
Bey is the best player in this trade. That’s why the Suns are giving up assets to acquire him. Remember – this team’s outlook is strictly based on the present.
More broadly, they could use Bey. The Suns need an athletic wing defender. Bey meets that threshold. He’s also developed into a solid shot creator and floor spacer. Bey should be an optimal fit on this roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns Updates
Meanwhile, Gordon has been complaining about his role recently. Bol doesn’t see the floor in Phoenix. The Suns shouldn’t hesitate to part with a pair of second-round picks to acquire Bey. After all, he ought to improve their team.
