NBA Trade Rumors: Suns' $70 million guard on radar ahead of trade deadline as Phoenix targets championship-level reinforcements
The Phoenix Suns could look to ship guard Grayson Allen in the trade market. According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, Allen could be a potential trade asset for the Suns as his role in the team has slowly diminished this season.
The 6-foot-4 guard has only started one game in the 15 he has played for Phoenix this year, a far cry from the 74 starts he made in the 75 games he played last season.
Allen's numbers have gone down because of his decreased role. In the last campaign, the guard averaged 13.5 points (his best in the league) and shot 46.1 percent from beyond the arc. This season, he's averaging 10.7 points and shooting 35.4 percent.
In April, Allen signed a four-year, $70 million contract extension to stay with the Suns. However, Sidery suggested Phoenix could use the contract to acquire much-needed help, as the team already has many wing players.
"After signing a four-year, $70 million extension, Grayson Allen is a potential trade candidate to monitor for the Suns," Sidery wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "Allen’s $15.6 million salary could be utilized to help Phoenix attain a championship-level upgrade."
Last season, Allen was part of the starting lineup as Bradley Beal dealt with injuries that limited him to 53 games.
How has Grayson Allen performed as a starter for the Suns?
Grayson Allen started for Phoenix (11-8) on Saturday and the team secured a 113-105 win over the Golden State Warriors (12-7) at home. The coaching staff opted to have the veteran wing player start, as Beal was out due to lingering calf issues.
In his first start of the season, Allen had 17 points on 50 percent shooting from downtown. He was one of five players who scored in double digits. He scored at least 10 points for the eighth time this season.
After the game, All-Star forward Kevin Durant said Allen looked more "comfortable" with the starting lineup.
"When you start, it's definitely different," Durant said. "Coming off the bench, you gotta set the tone, you gotta ease or find your game a little bit more. When you're coming off the bench, you gotta just get us some quick points and quick energy... as soon as you come in."
"You're seeing tonight - Seventeen points, three assists, four rebounds, going downhill, making plays, making big shots. I think he (Grayson Allen) was more comfortable knowing he's going to play big minutes tonight," Durant added. "He's adapted to his role and understands what we need from him and he's just been a versatile player for us. So we're gonna need more from him."
The Phoenix Suns have listed Beal as questionable for their Tuesday game against the San Antonio Spurs, paving the way for Allen to start again.
Also read: Phoenix Suns injury report (Nov. 30): 3x All-Star and starter uncertain to play