The Phoenix Suns were arguably the biggest winners ahead of the NBA trade deadline, acquiring Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets. While that move cemented their status as contenders in the Western Conference, they could still use some more upgrades on the roster.
Throughout the season, depth has been a need for Phoenix. Theirs was tested with the number of injuries they have sustained and parting ways with multiple players to land Durant certainly didn’t help.
In addition to Durant, the team did make other additions to the frontcourt. T.J. Warren was also acquired from the Nets and Darius Bazley was acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Dario Saric in a cap-saving move. On the buyout market, Terrance Ross was signed after parting ways with the Orlando Magic.
Conspicuously absent from that list is a backcourt player. The Suns could use some help there as Chris Paul and Cameron Payne are the only two point guards on their roster with full-time contracts. The only other player they have listed at the position is Saben Lee on a two-way deal.
While Devin Booker is capable of running the offense and Durant will have the ball in his hands a lot as well, adding another ball-handler certainly wouldn’t hurt. In a recent episode of #thisleague uncut, Chris Haynes and Marc Stein discussed a number of topics including Phoenix being active on the buyout market again.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: John Wall & Phoenix Suns Updates
Haynes shared that John Wall is someone that the Suns could have an eye on should nothing materialize with Derrick Rose, who is still a member of the New York Knicks. Stein, however, is skeptical as he has heard nothing on the Wall to Suns front.
“Chris Haynes: Phoenix, they’re still looking for another ball handler. And so if the Derrick Rose situation doesn’t play out, which looks like it, most likely won’t, then they have to look at you know, other guys out there. And you look at the buyout market, the only other prominent guard that has ball-handling skills and obligations is John Wall, and we’re not hearing much on him as of right now.
Marc Stein: I don’t have…nothing. I gotta be honest, I haven’t heard. I really haven’t heard of any market there.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: John Wall & Phoenix Suns Updates
Wall would certainly be a good insurance policy for the Suns should another injury occur to Payne or Paul. But, if he is pressed into a larger role, Phoenix could have some issues. Wall struggled mightily this season with the LA Clippers before being traded to the Houston Rockets ahead of the deadline.
In 34 appearances, Wall averaged 11.4 points, 5.2 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game. He was inefficient shooting the ball, making only 40.8 percent of his shot attempts overall and 30.3 percent of his 3-point attempts.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: John Wall & Phoenix Suns Updates
If the Suns are determined to make an addition, Wall is really all that is available right now. They missed out on other options such as Reggie Jackson, Patrick Beverley and Russell Westbrook that would have appeased their need for another ball handler.
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