REPORT: Ahead of the trade deadline, the Suns are reportedly pursuing a two-time All-Star big man.

December 27, 2024 Henry Other clubs 0

A fourth All-Star to join the Phoenix Suns’ Big Three could be on the horizon.

Before the February 6 trade deadline, the Suns are interested in Chicago Bulls centre Nikola Vucevic, according to seasoned NBA writer Marc Stein’s revelation to Substack on Thursday. However, as a second-apron luxury-tax team, Phoenix would have to circumvent some trade rules (e.g., they cannot receive back more salary in a trade than they send out), according to Stein.

With 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, Vucevic, a two-time career All-Star, is having a breakout season with the Bulls.

Even though Vucevic, who is currently 34, has never made much of a difference on defence, he would be a significant improvement at the number five over Jusuf Nurkic, who is contributing less than 10 points per game on a poor 46/29/69 shooting split this season.

Phoenix has to do something quick as, despite their league-high payroll of $226 million, they are hovering in the mediocrity zone at 15-14. The Suns have recently been linked to a bigger name in trade rumors, but someone like Vucevic might be a more realistic get if they can successfully navigate their second-apron encumbrances.

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