The Phoenix Suns are expected to become one of the most active teams before the annual trade deadline because they have tradable assets that are expected to entice rival teams.
According to Basketball Insiders, the Suns will likely covet a frontcourt player using the expiring contract of Emeka Okafor and their rich collection of first-round picks in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Sources said that the Suns are very interested in trading for Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer along with Josh Smith, Greg Monroe, Larry Sanders, Omer Asik, Anderson Varejao, and Spencer Hawes.
"Josh Smith, Greg Monroe, Larry Sanders, Omer Asik, Anderson Varejao, Carlos Boozer, Spencer Hawes and maybe even Brook Lopez are a few of the bigger names that are believed to be available. If the Suns could add a star-level big man to their front line they might just have enough talent to get to the second round," Basketball Insiders noted.
Among the reported targets, Boozer could be the most likely acquisition before the deadline because the All-Star power forward is expected to be shopped by the Bulls in the coming weeks.
Boozer, who is averaging 14.8 points to go along with 8.6 rebounds this season, is expected to provide additional post presence to the Suns, who have been the most surprising team this season. Acquiring Boozer could improve their chances of at least having a decent campaign in the 2014 Playoffs.
The 32-year-old forward is currently not in good terms with Bulls executives after Boozer aired his sentiment over the lack of playing time in crucial situations. Late last week, Bulls general manager Gar Forman expressed disappointment over the comment made by Boozer to the public.
"I'm disappointed that Carlos didn't keep that in-house," said Forman in a statement via CSN Chicago. "I think we've seen Tom does a terrific job managing guys' roles, managing their minutes. In that situation, Taj has played very, very well."
Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau also responded to the comments made by Boozer, saying that he will continue playing players, who earned the minutes and who will give them a better chance of winning.
"I'm not changing. I'm going with the guys who I think give us the best chance to win, I don't care who they are. So when we hit that six-minute mark it's based on what we're doing and what we need, and that's the way it's going to be," Thibodeau told ESPN Chicago.
