How This Trade Impacts Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns could use some frontcourt depth to help replace the injured Dario Saric. They have been linked to Thaddeus Young of the San Antonio Spurs to be an option. While Young would be cheaper to acquire, he doesn’t have the upside of Jonathan Isaac.
Isaac turned 24 in September and has great potential. He has already shown his All-Defensive team upside, averaging 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocks per game in his career. He can guard virtually every position on the court but is truly a difference-maker against wings and frontcourt players.
His offense is coming along as well. He averaged 11.9 points per game on 47 percent shooting during the 2019-20 season. He also made strides with his 3-point shooting, making 34 percent.
When healthy, he could step into the starting power forward role. R.J. Hampton could grow into a role with the team as well. He reportedly grew this offseason and should be able to hold his own against wings.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Should Keep Tabs On Nets’ Kyrie Irving Trade
That would give Monty Williams a super versatile player to use in his lineups. Having point guard skills but with the size of a wing, would provide Phoenix with a big advantage. Hampton needs to work on his 3-point shooting, but he is a little more polished than most second-year players since he skipped college to play professionally in Australia.
Michael Carter-Williams will provide the Suns with another veteran for backcourt depth. He likely won’t see the court much behind Chris Paul, Cameron Payne, and Elfrid Payton.
While there are risks to making a trade like this, as the Suns did just advance to the NBA Finals, none of the players going to Orlando have the upside that Isaac does.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Should Keep Tabs On Nets’ Kyrie Irving Trade
If he can remain healthy, the team’s ceiling is a lot higher with him in the fold than Jae Crowder or Cameron Johnson. The Phoenix Suns would have one of the most devastating defenses in the NBA with Isaac joining Paul, Mikal Bridges, and Deandre Ayton.
Now, let’s take a look at this deal from the Magic’s perspective.
