Knicks, Suns And Pacers Reportedly Discussed A Trade

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns discussed a trade.

The NBA offseason began 15 days ago, and many moves have already been made around the league.     

That said, there will likely be plenty of more transactions and rumors over the next few months.    

On Saturday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns and Indiana Pacers have discussed a three-team trade. 

Via Scotto's article on HoopsHype: "New York, Phoenix, and Indiana had exploratory discussions on a three-team trade where Cam Payne would’ve joined the Knicks, TJ McConnell would’ve joined the Suns, and Evan Fournier and draft pick compensation would’ve gone to the Pacers, league sources told HoopsHype."

That said, Scotto added that "talks have since stalled."

Reporting on trade talks surrounding Damian Lillard, Tyler Herro, Pascal Siakam, a three-team trade discussed by the Knicks, Suns, and Pacers, plus the latest free agency updates on the Nets, Mavericks, Hornets, and Summer League interviews on @hoopshype. https://t.co/VG2mtv7UbC

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 15, 2023

Fournier was once among the best shooting guards in the league, but he fell out of Tom Thibodeau's rotation this past season and did not appear in any NBA playoff games.  

He has career averages of 14.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per contest while shooting 44.3% from the field and 37.9% from the three-point range in 672 regular season games.  

Julius Randle (24 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST) led the rally while Evan Fournier (17 PTS, 5 3PM) dropped a season-high to help the @nyknicks complete the 21-PT comeback 👏 pic.twitter.com/EVB6K7ZQBD

— NBA (@NBA) February 6, 2023

As for Payne, he is coming off a solid season where he averaged 10.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists per contest in 48 games for the Suns. 

The veteran point guard also had 31 points in Game 6 of the second round. 

"It hurt. It hurt big-time."

Cameron Payne after #Suns Game 6 elimination loss to Nuggets on his playoff career-best 31-point night. #Nuggets #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/1hJvCbuDIt

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) May 12, 2023

Lastly, McConnell is one of the best defenders in the league, and this past season, he averaged 8.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 54.3% from the field and 44.1% from the three-point range in 75 games for the Pacers. 

The T.J. takeaway sets up Mathurin for ✌️@Pacers and Sixers in Q2 on the NBA App!
➡️ https://t.co/0rrSPxOHD0 pic.twitter.com/TcCWcLaWw3

— NBA (@NBA) March 7, 2023