The Phoenix Suns have been one of the most active NBA teams this offseason, acquiring All-Star guard Bradley Beal and overhauling their bench. While a majority of teams have taken a break for the summer, Phoenix is reportedly still exploring its options on the trade market.
Heading into August, Phoenix is poised to be extremely thin at point guard. Beal is the projected starter, but he’s a natural two. Behind him, Saben Lee and Devin Booker are the top options to play point guard next season.
Related: Best second round picks in NBA history
- T.J. McConnel stats (2022-’23): 8.7 PPG, 5.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 54.3% FG, .098 WS/48
NBA free agency won’t offer the organization much helo. George Hill and Ish Smith are two of the top point guards still available, but neither projects to be high-end role players for a championship contender. So, Phoenix has turned its focus to the trade market.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Suns are targeting a trade with the Indiana Pacers for point guard T.J. McConnell. While Phoenix has a high degree of interest in McConnell in light of its need for a true point guard, a trade isn’t imminent and the veteran wants to stay with Indiana.
McConnell, age 31, has been with Indiana since 2019. The 6-foot-1 point guard originally signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Pacers in July 2019. He later re-signed with the team in 2021, receiving a four-year deal worth $35 million total.
- T.J. McConnell contract: $8.7 million salary (2023-’24), $9.3M salary (2024=-25, $5M guaranteed)
Even if McConnell wanted to be traded, it seems unlikely Indiana parts with him right now. McConnell is the lead guard off the bench, providing crucial depth and a positive impact when Tyrese Haliburton is off the court.
Related: NBA power rankings
Furthermore, the Pacers’ additions this offseason hint at a team that wants to compete for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With the Suns operating with limited trade assets, it’s unlikely they’re able to land McConnell right now.