There have been rumors linking James Harden to Phoenix. John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM shut down that notion (via Twitter), writing that there’s a “zero percent chance” the Suns would pursue the former MVP.
Gambadoro also said it was “highly unlikely” the Suns would have interest in Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, pointing out that his large salary might be unpalatable for a roster that’s already top-heavy (Twitter link). On his Burns and Gambo radio show (Twitter link), the plugged-in local reporter stated in stronger terms that the Suns won’t pursue Lillard.
“They’re not getting James Harden, and they’re not getting Damian Lillard,” Gambadoro said.
Here are more rumors on the Suns:
- Gambadoro’s reporting on Lillard was seemingly in response to a new piece from Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, who hears from sources who say that the Trail Blazers have shown interest in Deandre Ayton in the past. However, Fischer also downplays Phoenix’s chances of landing Lillard, noting that the Suns don’t have the requisite assets to land a player of his caliber. The Blazers, meanwhile, still hope to build a contender around their all-time leading scorer, and remain intent on re-signing Jerami Grant, sources tell Fischer.
- Fischer’s article focuses on Chris Paul‘s uncertain future with the Suns and how it might have a ripple effect around the NBA. Although Lillard and Harden might be unrealistic targets, Fischer writes that the Suns remain intrigued by Kyrie Irving, who is entering unrestricted free agency. As Fischer notes, Irving would basically have to ask the Mavericks for help in a sign-and-trade. Dallas hasn’t shown any interest in helping the Lakers land Irving in a sign-and-trade for D’Angelo Russell, but Fischer wonders if Paul might be more appealing.
- Could the Lakers and Suns explore a sign-and-trade involving Russell and Paul? The Suns pursued the 27-year-old impending free agent ahead of the February trade deadline when he was still on the Timberwolves, sources tell Fischer. Big man Naz Reid, who’s also set to hit unrestricted free agency, was another player Phoenix desired in talks with Minnesota, Fischer adds.
- Hornets guard Terry Rozier has been linked to Phoenix in the past, but the Suns didn’t pursue him ahead of the trade deadline, sources tell Fischer. Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley, Celtics guard Payton Pritchard, Kings guard Davion Mitchell, and Heat guard Gabe Vincent are among the other backcourt options the Suns have monitored, per Fischer.
- Agents that Fischer has talked to believe Paul could get at least part of — if not the full — mid-level exception if he’s waived and becomes an unrestricted free agent. While Paul has been linked to his former club, the Clippers, Fischer notes that they can only offer the veteran’s minimum, and there’s “mutual interest” in a reunion between Russell Westbrook and the Clips.
I simply can’t fathom that KD would want to risk another season playing with a difficult, moody and unstable player like Harden. He’s not shamed of showing up out of shape. He instigated the eventual fall of the Brooklyn big 3. Why would KD who’s had to deal with Westbrook, Irving, Simmons and Harden want to go thru that again? Paul is perfect for what the Suns need. A drama free veteran leader ergo can handle the ball, run the offense if/when needed, not turn the ball over and can create his own shot and hit the open 3 with the clock expiring. Harden has played fewer games the last 3 seasons than Paul. CP3’s problem has been availability for the post season. The Suns should try and get back in the first round and find a young guard in the later round that they can mold for the future, take some of the work load of Paul and learn from him. The Suns have a legit big 3 in Booker, KD and Ayton. If Ayton can give you an average of 18/10 and solid defense then that’s all you need. I would see if Paul would take a team friendlier deal so they can use that money to replenish the bench.
Fischer is a rumor monger not a reporter. People should really stop paying attention to him. Only reason he is correct sometimes is because of the sheer volume of nonsense he puts out.
A broken clock, as the saying goes.
Crazy that people will consider trading for an aging with a huge contract of Lillard. He should stay in Portland while Portland figures out how to help the guy out before he is too old. Maybe LBJ and Lillard for one year, could push Portland to the playoffs as a 4/5 seed.
You’re right and wrong Knicks fan. Most of what you say us true but you are completely wrong about Harden instigating the fall of ‘the big 3’. I’m no fan of Harden but ne was only reading and reacting to what was going on Round him. Yeah he was the first to get out of Brooklyn but that was only because he got a proper read on the situation….not just the locker room, but the way the whole organization was being run. Harden can be a lazy, selfish, overrated player…..but he knows what’s up. He was only out getting ahead of a bad situation and looking out for himself because he knew that what was happening with the Nets was going to fly off the rails and cause a massive explosion. So off he went to Philly where the train just slowly laid over on it’s side and caused a small fire.