Phoenix Suns players Goran Dragic and Gerald Green began the season with reports indicating they were on the trade block. Heading into the second week of the 2014-15 season, both players appear even more likely to be dealt before the February trade deadline.
Both players were linked to trade rumors this summer. Dragic, who's in the final year of his contract, is likely to be dealt this season so Phoenix can get something as opposed to letting him walk for nothing as a free agent. The five-year, $70 million deal given to Eric Bledsoe and the steady production from Isaiah Thomas - not to mention his modest $6 million-per-year contract that doesn't expire until 2018 - makes Dragic the most likely candidate to be dealt from the Suns' crowded backcourt.
If Dragic were to be dealt, there'd be a market pining for him. He's 28 years old, and he's a cheaper option than a big-name guard such as Rajon Rondo. One team potentially interested in Dragic could be the Houston Rockets, whom he played for briefly before returning to Phoenix in 2012. The Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers could also be potential suitors, based solely on their needs for a 1-guard.
Green, who's also in the final year of his contract, was also mentioned as a player Phoenix has on the trade block. The journeyman wing had a breakout season last year, and he's produced well enough so far this season - including his huge 16-point fourth quarter in Sunday's win against Golden State - to prove last year wasn't just a fluke.
The Lakers were mentioned as being a good fit for Green, and the team does need an upgrade at the 3-spot. It's uncertain, though, what level of interest - if any - the lottery-bound Lakers have in him.
While Phoenix would likely seek draft picks in return for either player, the team does need to bolster their frontcourt.
