3 Centers Phoenix Suns Could Target via Trade

The offseason is officially winding down for the Phoenix Suns, with the season coming into fold with training camp, which is tracking to start on Sept. 29.

The Suns are in the midst of an eventful period in the lead-up, to say the least. Phoenix is going to be without center Mark Williams for several months.

While there is trust in third-year Oso Ighodaro and second-year Khaman Maluach, there might be a need for a third center to supplement the rotation in the absence of Williams. 

Below are three names that may make sense for GM Brian Gregory to explore a trade for.

Clint Capela

Capela, 32, is essentially serving in the third-center role for the Houston Rockets that he would be with a move to Phoenix. 

However, the Rockets also employ Jabari Smith Jr., who has the ability to play center. This might incentivize the Rockets to move on, while Phoenix and Capela have a chance to be a strong short-term pairing.

The main hold-up might rest in contractual obligations, as Capela is due north of $7 million over the next two seasons (Spotrac). This is a hefty commitment for governor Mat Ishbia, although the asking price is unlikely to be very high from Houston.

Goga Bitadze

Bitadze has been a name floated around as a potential target for the Suns for years at this point. 

The 2019 draft pick is carving out a quality career relative to expectations behind efficient finishing and stout rebounding. However, Bitadze rarely cracks the top of the Orlando Magic rotation, with the signing of Nikola Vucevic likely confirming this will be the case once again. 

A union between Bitadze and Phoenix makes short-term sense, but it wouldn't be a smart move to part with much in a trade for a player that has one year left on their deal.

Paul Reed

Reed is probably the most realistic target here.

This is of course pending the status of Jalen Duren as a restricted free agent. Bringing back Duren would make parting with Reed easier, although this also means the Pistons will have to show confidence in Tolu Smith. 

The truth is that it will be challenging for Phoenix to find an ideal target, a franchise that has interest in talking a trade, and the flexibility to make a traded for player a long-term fixture. 

Only time will tell what will unfold for the Suns.