The Drive with Jody Oehler

The Drive with Jody Oehler

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Is This the Star the Suns Should Trade For?

The NBA Trade Deadline just passed but that hasn't stopped the NBA Trade Rumor Mill from working hard to generate speculation.

After the Suns stood pat at last week's deadline, much to the chagrin of an impatient fan base, could the Suns patience pay off this summer?

According to multiple reports, there is a growing chance that Sixers star C Joel Embiid could be available this summer.

There are even odds from a sports book on his next team.

The Suns aren't listed as one of the teams you can bet on but that shouldn't stop them from an all out pursuit of the big man, should the Sixers decide to break up their core.

Embiid would immediately bring something to Phoenix that has been missing for over a decade: relevancy.

I don't love Embiid. He's worn out his welcome in Philly. Injury prone. Takes too many three's. Can't seem to ever get in shape. And he's a Center.

I've argued for nearly two years that Deandre Ayton is not the franchise savior some Suns fans have tried to force him to be, mostly because the Center position doesn't matter in the NBA as it once did.

Like the running back in the NFL, most teams can get away with a modestly priced big man instead of a star. Think Aron Baynes or Richaun Holmes making more sense than a max contract for Embiid.

But this isn't the time for the Suns to listen to me.

The franchise needs an injection of attitude, swagger and wattage. Embiid brings all of that and more.

Under James Jones, the Suns have been pickier than their current situation should allow.

They're like a 47 year old bachelor passing on potential girlfriends because they don't like their first name.

Time is running out, patience has been exhausted and opportunities have been missed.

If the Suns can't find a savior via the draft a la Luka, Ja or Zion - they'll need to find one in a trade.

Assuming the Sixers would be interested in Ayton as a centerpiece, a large assumption, it would cost the young big man, plus picks and maybe even Mikal Bridges.

But it would probably be worth it.

There aren't many paths left for the Suns to reach NBA relevancy. Trading for one might be their last, best hope.

When it comes to acquiring stars in the NBA, beggars can't be choosers.

Just ask the Suns.


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