NBA Trade Rumors: Phoenix Suns Not Looking to Trade Marcin Gortat

Mar. 30, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Phoenix Suns injured center Marcin Gortat watches the game from inside the tunnel in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at the US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

After the Phoenix Suns used the 2013 NBA Draft to snag former Maryland Terrapins big man Alex Len, the rumblings that they would be trading current center Marcin Gortat got louder. Leading up to the draft there were reports that the Suns may be looking to move Gortat, but now it looks like Phoenix is content keeping Gortat on the roster and continue to use him as their starting center.

From Dave Dulberg of ArizonaSports.com:

"“We’re not looking to move him,” Suns general manager Ryan McDonough told Arizona Sports 620′s Burns and Gambo Friday. “As you guys I’m sure know, Alex had foot surgery, and he’s not ready to play.“Marcin is one of our best players here. He’s a core guy for us. He is one of the more athletic bigs in the league, he screens, he rolls, he finishes and he blocks shots.”In the short-term, however, the Suns GM was a little bit more clear on Gortat’s role with the team.“We’re going into the year with him as our starting center.”"

For Len, that obviously means a reserve role.

Many times lottery picks are expected to come in and start right away, but this could end up benefiting Len. Not only is Len still improving as a player, but he has had recent foot surgery which will slow down his development with a lack of participation in early camps and workouts.

While the Suns have a long way to go, their depth at center once Len gets healthy could send them in the right direction.

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