NBA training camps are expected to start in the next week or so, but the Phoenix Suns are still without a starting point guard. This offseason, Phoenix traded veteran point guard Brandon Knight to the Houston Rockets and released backup point guard Tyler Ulis.
The only other point guards they currently have on the roster are Isaiah Canaan, Shaquille Harrison, De’Anthony Melton, and Elie Okobo. With that being said, the Suns looking for an experienced veteran point guard and they might not have to go far to find one.
A couple of weeks ago, John Gambadoro reported that the Suns discussed the possibilities of trading for Los Angeles Clippers point guard Patrick Beverley, Brooklyn Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie or Indiana’s Cory Joseph.
However, out of the three point guards, it seems like the Suns are interested in Beverley. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Monday that the veteran point guard is at the top of Phoenix’s list, but the teams have not been able to work out the proper compensation.
Charania mentioned the Clippers want a first-round pick in return for Beverley, but the Suns have only been willing to give up second-round picks. Phoenix reportedly views Beverley “as a guy who could come in and play a very good complementary role to Devin Booker,” according to the NBA insider.
It does not come as a surprise that the Suns would be interested in the 30-year-old point guard as the Clippers possibly have their point guard of the future in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Los Angeles acquired Gilgeous-Alexander in a draft night trade from the Charlotte Hornets for Miles Bridges.
Furthermore, it also helps that Beverley is on an expiring contract, making about $5 million this upcoming season. The 30-year-old Beverley missed most of last season due to microfracture and meniscus surgery on his left knee in November.
But in the 11 games that he played in, Beverley averaged 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. In June, the veteran point guard received full medical clearance, after undergoing surgery.
If the Suns do end up adding Beverley, they would be getting a defensive-minded point guard that wouldn’t be looking to score but help change the culture.
As previously mentioned, Phoenix has more than a few young players at guard and on the team in general. Therefore, they should not have an issue parting ways with a first-round pick due to this reason alone.
