Phoenix Suns Reportedly Interested In Trading For 8-Year NBA Veteran

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, the Phoenix Suns are interested in T.J. McConnell.

T.J. McConnell has been a solid point guard over his eight seasons in the NBA.

This past year, the former Arizona star 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 Indiana Pacers. 

On Wednesday, Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports reported that the Phoenix Suns are interested in trading for McConnell. 

Via Fischer's article on Yahoo! Sports: "Phoenix has continued to explore trade scenarios regarding reserve guard Cam Payne, league sources told Yahoo Sports, and Indiana point guard T.J. McConnell has been one player on the Suns’ radar."

Scribbled something on the murmurings of Summer League during this flight out of Vegas. Latest on Dame, Harden, Siakam, and other connected tidbits, with more to come from @YahoSports: https://t.co/3ZkG8eI2cB

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 12, 2023

In addition to the Pacers, McConnell has also played for the Philadelphia 76ers. 

His career averages are 7.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 50.9% from the field and 34.3% from the three-point range in 556 regular season games (he has also appeared in 22 NBA playoff games). 

On top of being a good shooter, McConnell is known as an excellent defender. 

Report: “Phoenix has continued to explore trade scenarios regarding reserve guard Cam Payne, league sources told Yahoo Sports, and Indiana point guard T.J. McConnell has been one player on the Suns’ radar.”

(via @JakeLFischer, https://t.co/vf6GCQwnAQ) pic.twitter.com/cXAx44A8mm

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 12, 2023

Last year, the Pacers were the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 35-47 record. 

They have been in rebuilding mode for several seasons and last made the NBA Playoffs back in 2020. 

Meanwhile, the Suns were the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 45-37 record.

They beat the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round (in five games) but lost to the Denver Nuggets in the second round (in six games).