PJ Tucker (Photo : Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns drove themselves into the middle of NBA trade rumors as they engaged themselves in pursuit of DeMarcus Cousins, but they may have discovered a trade chip to give them the edge.
After the rumors broke out that there were indeed talks between the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings, many dismissed the underwhelming offer that was publicized (TJ Warren, Alex Len and their 2017 first round pick).
According to Kurt Helin of NBC in reaction to this rumor, it's tough to say "never" but the chances are slim. First off, the owner of the Kings has other plans.
"Kings owner Vivek Ranadive is still the biggest Cousins backer in the Sacramento organization, and if the owner doesn't want a trade to happen it doesn't happen."
Also, the Suns are not giving up any of their top players, Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker. If Ranadive doesn't want to deal Cousins, the only way to convince him is to get a star back in return. They don't in this proposal and if they pull the trigger, they just made a division rival a legitimate contender.
Is there any way for the Suns to improve this deal without including Bledsoe and Booker? One way is to include Brandon Knight, whose trade value may not be at its peak. Still, Knight is a capable combo guard and has been in numerous versions of NBA trade rumors involving the Kings.
Phoenix may also have another prime trade chip in PJ Tucker, who is reportedly being pursued by the LA Clippers, among other teams. Tucker brushed aside the rumors in an interview with Basketball Insiders.
"I'm a Phoenix Sun right now. This is the last year of my contract, but as of now, I'm a Phoenix Sun. So I'm going to keep playing until somebody tells me otherwise. In this league, it's part of the business, especially coming up in a contract year. So for me, it's just staying focused and being ready to play every night."
The Suns are pushing him as a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate and he could make a difference to a playoff team (like the Clippers). The Clippers don't have valuable assets to offer, but what if the Suns use Tucker as the center of a package for Blake Griffin? Could that be a scenario that the Clippers can explore?
Griffin is a free agent at the end of the season and the Clips run the risk of him walking away for nothing. If the Suns offer Warren and Tucker and their draft pick for Griffin, that could be interesting. Let's see if the Clippers see it the same way.
