All of a sudden the Phoenix Suns have everyone's attention heading into the Thursday trade deadline for the NBA. The team is looking to be sellers as a number of teams are ready to buy on their options. Most of the talk regarding the team has centered around Goran Dragic and his desire to no longer be in the middle of a crowded back court. The point guard is set to be a free agent in the upcoming offseason with no desire to return to the Suns. However, Phoenix might be looking at multiple deals involving not just Dragic in hopes of getting the best return possible.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Dragic has informed the Suns that he has no intentions of signing a contract extension for the team as he is hoping to land a max deal and be a starter in 2015. However, what if Phoenix gives him that chance? Wojnarowski is now reporting that the Suns would ideally like to re-sign Dragic and potentially trade Isaiah Thomas instead. Phoenix signed Thomas to an below-market deal as the point guard is owed just under $7 million per year over the next three seasons. That is not a bad option for a team looking to get a starting point guard.
Wojnarowski reports the Boston Celtics are showing more interest in that trade than one for Dragic as he is hoping the Los Angeles Lakers or New York Knicks make a move for him. Boston has been active in this year's deadline, reportedly discussing trade for DeMarcus Cousins that would involve them giving up Brandon Bass or Jared Sulligner. After trading Rajon Rondo earlier in the year, they are looking for a point guard.
With Rondo off the market, Dragic is considered the best available point guard. Most teams are looking at him as a long-term option with the intention of offering a max contract in free agency. Phoenix is well-aware of his worth right now and has been asking for a first-round draft pick, something the Lakers and Knicks cannot afford to give up. Could they get the same return on Thomas?
Phoenix is on the brink in a competitive Western Conference. If they want to get better and not have a repeat of narrowly missing the playoffs like last year, they need to make trades and Dragic and Thomas are the ones gathering interest.
