As they are continuing to ponder about their future with Chris Paul, the Phoenix Suns have already identified some of their targets to fill their point man position.
Per Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, the Suns are keen about potentially having the likes of Immanuel Quickley, Payton Pritchard, Monte Morris, and Gabe Vincent in their lineup.
“Phoenix does hold Knicks Sixth Man of the Year finalist Immanuel Quickley in high regard, sources told Yahoo Sports, dating back to Quickley’s entry in the 2020 NBA Draft. Payton Pritchard, the former first-round pick who fell out of Boston’s rotation, has several supporters in Phoenix’s front office, sources said, and is expected to feature prominently in the NBA’s general trade landscape this summer, when Pritchard becomes extension eligible. Kings guard Davion Mitchell is another rookie-scale player who’s been on the Suns’ radar. Phoenix also monitored Washington table-setter Monte Morris and Miami guard Gabe Vincent, according to league sources.”
After a solid Sixth Man campaign and gluing himself to the Knicks’ main core for years to come, Quickley appears to be much more difficult to lure away. He averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 boards, and 3.4 assists as New York has the choice to pick up their team-friendly $4.1 million option for him for next season.
As Pritchard expressed his intent to be traded, Morris potentially landing in the trade block under the new regime of team president Michael Winger, and Vincent slated to hit unrestricted free agency, the point guards mentioned could be more realistic to be landed. As such, it only comes down to how they can maximize their trade chips with DeAndre Ayton also a considered asset.
With Paul now at the twilight of his career and allocated himself to a large chunk of the team’s payroll pie, Phoenix’s intent to replace him can’t be more logical as they are propelling themselves to reach the next level and be back to the championship stage.
