jeremy cluff, arizona republic
·4 min read
The Phoenix Suns have long been linked to Indiana Pacers point guard T.J. McConnell, whom many think would be a perfect fit with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Could the Suns actually finally acquire McConnell this offseason?
Don't get your hopes up, according to one NBA writer, who called McConnell to the Suns a "dream" offseason target for Phoenix because of the team's limited trade flexibility.
Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey wrote: "The Suns are about as leveraged as any team in the league right now, but they do have some movable first-rounders and have shown interest in former Arizona Wildcat T.J. McConnell before. He's not as tenacious a defender as (Kris) Dunn, but he's a better distributor and shooter."
McConnell, an Arizona product, is shining for the Pacers during Indiana's postseason run.
In 14 games, he has averaged 10.9 points per game and 5.2 assists per game in 19.8 minutes per game for the Pacers.
Sounds like someone Phoenix could use, right?
NBA trade rumors: Phoenix Suns to be 'very aggressive' with NBA Draft picks
Why it would be difficult for Suns to trade for T.J. McConnell
Bleacher Report, however, lists Phoenix's "potential spending power" this offseason at $1.2 million to $3.3 million.
Phoenix can't aggregate salaries in a trade because they are a second apron team, which likely makes McConnell on the Suns nothing more than a "dream," even if Phoenix were to attempt to give up its 2024 NBA first-round pick in a deal.
McConnell is set to earn $9.3 million next season.
More: Why Phoenix Suns should be upset with how NBA Playoffs are unfolding
If not T.J. McConnell, who for the Phoenix Suns?
Bailey wrote about a "realistic" target for the Suns this offseason in his story. That player? Utah Jazz point guard Kris Dunn, who averaged 5.4 points per game and 3.8 assists per game in 66 games last season.
Dunn is set to earn a much more manageable $2.09 million in 2024-25.
Bailey wrote: "The Phoenix Suns need a legitimate table-setter and plus defender, and Kris Dunn checks both those boxes. He's also a very low-usage offensive player, which would make him a seamless fit alongside the trio of ball-dominant stars in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal."
More: Phoenix Suns' future NBA Draft pick situation is dire, but not as dire as insider claims
Social media wants Suns to trade for T.J. McConnell
Many on social media, however, lobbied for the Suns to find a way to trade for T.J. McConnell, as difficult as it might be, calling him a great fit for this Phoenix team.
McConnell been one of the most impactful players of the playoffs. Basically the exact type of player the Suns need.
— Nate Jones (@JonesOnTheNBA) May 12, 2024
What do Suns fans think of somehow adding TJ McConnell to our roster? In 18 mpg, he averaged 10.2 PPG, 5.5 ast on 56.8% shooting from the field & 40.9% 3PT shooting. Also averages 1 steal pg. Dude plays hard & TOUGH💪 pic.twitter.com/1YkSNDv4qN
— 🔱E.Reed🔱 (@EricRee67177777) May 12, 2024
The Suns would still be in the playoffs if they signed McConnell. https://t.co/mPqbI1Dmts
— Shane Dale (@ShaneDaleAZ) May 13, 2024
Dear @Suns go get TJ McConnell please and thank you
— taylor trent (@24TaylorMade) May 19, 2024
What would you be willing to give up to make TJ McConnell and Obi Toppin Phoenix Suns?
— PHX Fans (@PHXFansAZ) May 12, 2024
A guy like TJ McConnell would completely transform the Suns… just throwing that out there.
— Tyler (@TylerASU13) May 12, 2024
God I wish the @Suns could find a way to snag TJ McConnell. He is the perfect PG for that team.
— Ryan Jones (@RyanJones_23) May 12, 2024
Should the #Suns go after T.J. McConnell this summer #SunsX? https://t.co/IpwpiSeTjy
— ThePhoenixSuns.Com (Not The NBA Team) (@ThePhoenixSuns2) May 9, 2024
TJ McConnell needs to be a Sun, idc
— Anthony Nash (@_anthonynash) May 19, 2024
The Suns need a PG like TJ McConnell
— Tone (@NFTone_) May 19, 2024
Watching TJ McConnell & can’t help but think how perfect a fit he’d be on the @Suns. Not sure how it could even happen so it’s probably just wishful thinking but the reality is he could start on most teams… He’ll never start on the Pacers though. #ComingInHot
— J-Hu (@JonathanHusto13) May 19, 2024
Could the Suns find a way to acquire McConnell this offseason, or another point guard?
Stay tuned.
Phoenix Suns' Isaiah Thomas: Point guard 'missing piece' against Minnesota Timberwolves
Reach Jeremy Cluffatjeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com.Follow him on X, formerly Twitter@Jeremy_Cluff.
Support local journalism: Subscribe toazcentral.comtoday.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns trade: Indiana Pacers' T.J. McConnell 'dream' target
