Contrary to recent chatter, the Phoenix Suns reportedly would rather keep Goran Dragic and trade Isaiah Thomas. Dragic, though, is a hotter commodity than Thomas is and could fetch a 2015 first-round draft pick from a team such as the Houston Rockets.
Suns general manager Ryan McDonough has admitted his roster was unbalanced because of his crowded backcourt. While he seemingly knows at least one of his guards will have to be moved before next season, he reportedly wants to keep Dragic.
"The Suns are inclined to keep Goran Dragic, a source said," Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spear wrote Monday. "Suns owner Robert Sarver attended Bill Duffy's annual All-Star event Sunday. Duffy is Dragic's agent."
At least two reports have indicated McDonough would rather deal Thomas than Dragic.
"Word is Suns more apt to try to move (Thomas) before trade deadline, to restore last season's roster balance, rather than surrender (Dragic)," ESPN's Marc Stein tweeted Friday.
The second report came from Grantland's Zach Lowe.
"As I reported in December, other teams have long felt that Phoenix would prefer dealing Isaiah Thomas; he has three years left on a contract that declines in value every season, and that opens up a broader trade market," Lowe wrote Monday.
The aforementioned reports contradict one from last week that claimed the Suns had reversed their position on Dragic and would now be willing to trade him for a first-round pick.
Houston, who's been interested in Dragic for most of the season, was subsequently named as one of the potential frontrunners to land Dragic before Thursday's deadline. In terms of assets, the Rockets arsenal includes the New Orleans Pelicans' 2015 first-round draft pick, the rookie-scale contract of up-and-coming forward Terrence Jones and the expiring contract of veteran Jason Terry.
If Phoenix does keep Dragic this season and he becomes a free agent in July, the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks are expected to pursue him. Although Stein mentioned the Lakers as a possible suitor for Dragic this season, the team doesn't have the kind of assets to make dealing Dragic worthwhile for Phoenix.
