PHOENIX — Because the Feb. 6 commerce deadline approaches, the Phoenix Suns reportedly have a couple of facilities on their radar.
It has already been reported by a number of media that the The Suns are serious about buying and selling for Charlotte Hornets backup huge man Nick Richards.
On Monday, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports activities reported that Phoenix was additionally serious about Portland Path Blazers heart Duop Reath.
Gambo talked about that along with Nick Richards, the Suns are serious about Duop Reath from the Blazers.
Reath performed on the Suns 2023 summer time league workforce.
– Contained in the Solar (@_insidethesun) January 14, 2025
Reath is a way more cost-effective possibility for Phoenix, at simply $2.05 million this season, that means Phoenix might commerce any of their minimal veteran gamers straight for him. He has yet another 12 months remaining on his contract after this season.
Richards additionally has one other 12 months on his contract and is making $5 million this season, which is an excellent worth contract, however makes it tough for the Suns to search out only one participant and draft picks to commerce for him.
Phoenix can not consolidate wages as a result of second tax apron nor can it take again more cash than it sends in commerce. The Suns additionally solely have three second-round picks (2026 and 2031 through Denver, personal 2031) and one first-round choose (personal 2031) to tie up in trades.
The Suns are in one thing of a conundrum with their facilities, having benched Jusuf Nurkic in favor of Mason Plumlee and Oso Ighodaro. Phoenix has struggled all season, even with the change, to rebound and defend the put up. All three facilities additionally struggled to complete across the rim.
Reath, who was a 27-year-old rookie final season, would a minimum of add depth to Phoenix’s core group.
The 6-foot-11 Reath hasn’t performed a lot this season in a crowded heart rotation in Portland that features Deandre Ayton, Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III. In 17 video games this season, Reath is averaging 2.6 factors in 6.5 minutes per recreation.
Final season, Reath performed in 68 video games (20 begins) and averaged 9.1 factors and three.7 rebounds in 17.9 minutes per recreation.
He is additionally proven the power to be huge, taking pictures 35.9 p.c from 3-point vary final 12 months on 3.6 makes an attempt per recreation.
It is clear the Suns are searching for upgrades at heart, and with Phoenix at 19-19 this 12 months, the Suns want all the additional assist they’ll get on the commerce market, particularly on the heart place.
