The Phoenix Suns find themselves in quite the interesting position with the NBA trade deadline just over two weeks away.
For the first time in years, the Suns are actually in contention for the playoffs, as they sit just 2.5 games back of the San Antonio Spurs for the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference.
Naturally, this provokes the question of whether the Suns will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. One player in question is backup center Aron Baynes.
Although the Suns do not currently plan on moving Baynes — whom they acquired from the Boston Celtics on draft night — they are open to moving him if the right deal comes along, per Marc Stein of The New York Times.
Baynes has been extremely productive in his first year in the desert. The eighth-year veteran is averaging 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in just over 22 minutes per game, equating to a per-36 line of 18.0 points and 9.0 rebounds. He also started a number of games due to Deandre Ayton's absence due to a suspension stemming from a positive test for a banned substance.
Moreover, Baynes continues to evolve as an offensive player. The New Zealander is averaging a career-high 3.8 3-point attempts, converting on over 33 percent of those chances.
The Suns will likely sell high on Aron Baynes if they try to trade him before the deadline. Their decision to acquire him on draft night was considered rather puzzling at the time, but now it seems Phoenix is in a position to capitalize on his value.
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