Suns Take Calls From Pistons, Raptors, Others On Jalen Smith

The Suns are open to trading center Jalen Smith and have been receiving plenty of interest ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

Per Matt Moore of The Action Network, the list of teams to have called the Suns on Smith includes the Spurs, Raptors, Nuggets, Pistons and Wizards.

“The Pistons’ offer includes Rodney McGruder who was first included in a failed trade for Denver’s Bol Bol (now with Boston),” Moore wrote.

Smith, 21, is in just his second season and is already playing a much more significant role this year than he did as a rookie. In 27 games (through Saturday), he is averaging 6.3 points and 5.0 rebounds.

Already, he has matched his total NBA appearances from last season (27) for the defending Western Conference champs.

The consensus around the league is Smith could possibly shine with more of opportunity elsewhere, perhaps with a rebuilding team that can give him more minutes and chance to grow. The Suns, of course, are in “win-now” mode.

“Small-ball has defined so much of the past half-decade, which is why it’s interesting that backup center has been the most commonly discussed position from so many teams in recent days,” Moore wrote.