Suns Have Hornets’ Terry Rozier, Raptors’ Fred VanVleet on Radar

Given that point guard Chris Paul is 37-years old and has missed time with back and heel injuries, it might make sense for the Suns to try to find a suitable fill-in.

And according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, that is exactly what they are doing ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline, with eyes on the Hornets’ Terry Rozier, Raptors’ Fred VanVleet and Knicks’ Immanuel Quickley.

That said, it does not appear Quickley is available, a change by the Knicks after some quality production in recent weeks.

As for Rozier and VanVleet, opposing teams seem to think each can be had, especially Rozier. By all accounts, the disappointing Hornets will be sellers before the deadline and turn their attention to the Victor Wembanyama lottery.

As Stein wrote, Rozier “is widely perceived as attainable given the Hornets’ slide into Victor Wembanyama territory, while VanVleet’s future with Canada’s team remains unclear” when you consider his “desire for a lucrative new contract in the offseason.”

It’s hard to know who the Suns may dangle in the event they make a trade offer, though it’s fairly obvious that forward Jae Crowder would be part of any package. Crowder continues to sit out as the Suns look for a deal.

Along with the aforementioned, the Suns have been linked to Bucks shooting guard Grayson Allen and several others. The Bucks are said to be among those in hot pursuit of Crowder and have agreed with center/forward Serge Ibaka to pursue a trade.

Rozier, 28, is averaging 21.4 points and 5.2 assists, shooting 41 percent from the field in 38 games.

VanVleet, 28, is averaging 19.3 points on 39 percent shooting, to go with 6.3 assists, in 39 appearances.

After a significant trade and with 17 days still left in this trade season, here is my latest Monday assemblage of NBA Trade Deadline Whispers … since it's still Monday in every time zone in #thisleague but one: https://t.co/nPHClEBtCB

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 24, 2023