PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns have a Grayson Allen problem.
The sixth-year vet is enjoying the best season of his career by a long shot – playing balanced ball on both ends while also boasting 50-40-90 shooting splits.
It’s no secret Allen has earned himself a pay raise this offseason, but he has also become a potentially valuable trade chip that various teams would covet if he were to hit the market.
This puts Suns general manager James Jones in a truly curious position.
While the Duke product has been invaluable to the Suns this season, a major concern with the Suns’ roster construction is four of the perceived top six players in the rotation are guards.
The Suns are reportedly in the market for an “athletic wing” and a backup center – and they are cash/asset strapped when it comes to actually acquiring top targets.
Allen, Nassir Little and an array of second-round picks are the most attractive assets the Suns currently have, along with a number of expiring contracts.
While the Suns should undoubtedly kick the tires on the trade and buyout market, moving Allen isn’t the right decision at the moment.
The most prudent thing Phoenix’s front office can do is put a feeler out to see what a potential return would look like for the sharp shooter – without the intent to actually move him.
These situations aren’t always cut-and-dry, as the NBA is a tough business where teams have to make tough decisions to move on from players at sometimes inconvenient times.
Fortunately, it seems as if Allen has found a home in Phoenix, as the former journeyman has been both an exemplary player and person in his time in Phoenix while also being embraced by the community.
“My name has been in someone’s tweet every year since I’ve been in the league, so I hardly pay any attention to it. Usually it brings a smile to my face because it’s funny. I’ve loved playing here this season, I’ve loved playing with this team,” said Allen after practice earlier this week.
“I don’t want to be traded. I’m not worried about it.”
There is no reason to move off of Allen in the short-term.