NBA trade rumors: 3 new teams that could become sellers for the Lakers
By Jason Reed
3. Phoenix Suns
The wheels are starting to fall off a bit for the Phoenix Suns. Regarded as one of the premier contenders in the Western Conference before the year, things have gotten really ugly for the Suns to the point where they are only one game ahead of the Lakers in the standings.
Devin Booker suffered a groin injury in late December that is going to keep him out at least four weeks (if not longer), taking the Suns right up to the trade deadline. Making this injury worse is the fact that Chris Paul is entering a different stage of his career where he simply is not the same guy.
It happens to every player not named LeBron James when they have this many miles on their body. At some point you just are not the same player and that is happening to CP3 this year.
Phoenix is not going to blow anything up during the season because the team still has to like its chances once Devin Booker returns. However, it would not be a horrible idea to recoup some assets for role players if things continue to go south.
Jae Crowder has been on the trade market all season and he will defintely be dealt at some point. But then you have players like Dario Saric, Torrey Craig and Damion Lee who could all be traded by Phoenix for something at the dealdine.
![INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers reacts during the game against the Charlotte Hornets] at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 8, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F20dcbd0be61cf9d90ae16cde5f7be2b8bb2f212ca89c0d5463ae0aae9ace0c94.jpg "INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers reacts during the game against the Charlotte Hornets] at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 8, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)")
The Suns are 2-8 in their last 10 games played and if things continue in that direction then it might be time to reevaluate their chances as it pertains to the 2022-23 season.