5 NBA teams that should be selling at the trade deadline

Jan 29, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks guard Ron Baker (31) tries to console guard Courtney Lee (5) after missing a three pointer in the final seconds to give the Atlanta Hawks a 142-139 victory during the second half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

6 of 6

Mar 14, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) and Tyson Chandler (4) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Phoenix Suns

Though the race for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference resembles a perverse version of “The Aristocrats,” the Phoenix Suns need not concern themselves with a late-season playoff push. Clinging to the West’s worst record, the Suns should instead begin shopping any player not named Devin Booker—yes, even Eric Bledsoe.

According to ESPN.com’s Marc Stein, soon-to-be free agent P.J. Tucker and “out-of-favor guard Brandon Knight are widely regarded as the most ‘gettable’ Suns,” whereas head coach Earl Watson declared veteran center Tyson Chandler is “not going anywhere.” Stein reported the Los Angeles Clippers had offered Phoenix a second-round pick for Tucker, but the Suns are reportedly “holding out for a first-rounder” (for the time being, at least).

In mid-January, John Gambadoro of ArizonaSports.com reported Tucker had attracted attention from the Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Atlanta Hawks, so his departure seems to be a matter of when, not if. Finding a taker for Knight may be more difficult given his dismal production this season, but with three years and a reasonable $43.9 million remaining on his contract beyond this year, a point guard-needy team might take the plunge if Phoenix doesn’t expect much in return.

Bledsoe and Alex Len are the Suns’ two trickiest trade candidates heading into the deadline. The former’s developmental timeline doesn’t quite align with Booker’s, but he’s been playing so well of late that Phoenix is reluctant to move him, according to ESPN.com’s Zach Lowe. The latter is headed for restricted free agency this offseason, and if Chandler (who’s signed through 2018-19) isn’t going anywhere, the team doesn’t have much incentive to match a big-money offer. If the Nets flip Brook Lopez, Len could become a target of their as a potential replacement.

Next: 20 best NBA players who could be available at the trade deadline

The Suns shouldn’t cave and trade Bledsoe for less than full value, but if a rival team extends a Godfather offer, general manager Ryan McDonough can’t reject it without serious consideration. Otherwise, McDonough should aim to flip Tucker and some of Phoenix’s other veterans to add more young pieces and/or draft picks around Booker, Bledsoe, Marquese Chriss, T.J. Warren and Dragan Bender.

Home/Brooklyn Nets