Over the past few days, the bulk of the trade rumors swirling around the NBA have involved point guard Goran Dragic of the Phoenix Suns. The consensus seems to be Dragic will either be dealt elsewhere by Phoenix before the NBA trade deadline due to their crowded backcourt and the fact many believe he’ll leave the team in free agency this summer.
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On Friday night, ESPN’s Marc Stein made it clear Dragic might not be going anywhere with Isaiah Thomas the more likely of the two point guards to be traded before next Thursday’s deadline:
Word is Suns more apt to try to move IThomas before trade deadline, to restore last season's roster balance, rather than surrender GDragic
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 14, 2015
Last summer, Thomas signed a four-year deal with the Suns worth $28 million after sign-and-trade from the Sacramento Kings to Phoenix. The long-term deal with Phoenix was rather surprising considering the team already had two very talented point guards in Eric Bledsoe and Dragic.
With the Kings showing little interest in retaining Thomas after an impressive season last year, the Washington product had his heart set on trying to land with the Los Angeles Lakers. Thomas was a restricted free agent, but the Kings weren’t willing to match offer sheets making the 5’9″ point guard available.
Unfortunately, the Lakers were determined to sign Carmelo Anthony and put everything else on hold in free agency. As a result, Thomas ended up in Phoenix.
Now Thomas might have a shot at finally wearing purple and gold if the Lakers take aim at making a deal with Phoenix for the 26-year-old point guard. Thomas would be a sizable upgrade at the point guard position and a welcome addition to the backcourt.
Although Thomas would be an upgrade in the backcourt, it is uncertain if the Lakers want to take on his contract. Thomas will make $6.9 million next season and a little less per year over the next two seasons after that at $6.5 million in 2016-17 and $6.2 million in 2017-18.
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