The Suns have been exploring trades centered on point guard Cameron Payne, with Pacers point guard T.J. McConnell perhaps among their targets, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
A multi-team deal involving Payne and the Suns was discussed at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Fischer added.
Why the Suns might be looking to unload Payne is unclear. Phoenix already lost starting point guard Chris Paul in the trade for ex-Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal. (Paul was later traded to the Warriors.)
Right now, Payne and two-way man Saben Lee are the only point guards on the roster — though there’s a sense the position can be handled by the committee of Beal, Devin Booker and even Eric Gordon.
Fischer went on to suggest that perhaps the Knicks could get involved, given their desire to unload guard Evan Fournier.
“Rival front offices continue to say New York remains engaged on trade avenues for veteran shooter Evan Fournier, and the Knicks are amenable to doing so as part of multi-team frameworks,” Fischer wrote, citing sources.
Payne, 28, averaged 10.4 points and 4.5 assists in 48 games, shooting 42 percent from the field and 37 percent on 3-pointers.
McConnell, 31, compiled averages of 8.7 points and 5.3 assists in 75 games. He shot 54 percent from the field and 44 percent on threes. Since the end of last season, the Pacers have signed former Nuggets guard Bruce Brown and landed forward Obi Toppin in a trade with the Knicks.
Scribbled something on the murmurings of Summer League during this flight out of Vegas. Latest on Dame, Harden, Siakam, and other connected tidbits, with more to come from @YahoSports: https://t.co/3ZkG8eI2cB
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 12, 2023
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