The Phoenix Suns appear set on trying to acquire Ben Gordon before the NBA trade deadline. However, they might not be able to do it alone. The Charlotte Bobcats are asking for a lot in return, leaving Phoenix to search for a third team to get in on the trade action. Who better than the Philadelphia 76ers who are ready to give up their entire core for draft picks?
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reports the Suns are attempting to facilitate a three-team trade that would include the 76ers and Bobcats with players like Evan Turner and Gordon getting moved. The Bobcats have an offer already on the table for Turner. They are willing to send Gordon and a first-round draft pick to Philadelphia in return for the young shooter. However, Phoenix wants Gordon and has a better option of draft picks to offer up.
Fansided.com suggest a three-team trade could include Turner heading to Charlotte while Gordon heads to Phoenix and a player like Emeka Okafor is sent to Philadelphia along with some nice draft compensation. The 76ers are looking to rebuild in the draft and with several expiring contracts on the payroll, shopping a player like Turner could get them the best return.
Both the Suns and the Bobcats have been heavily active leading up to the trade deadline. Both teams have been the surprise of the league this year. Phoenix is in contention for a solid playoff spot as they currently sit as one of the Western Conference's best teams. Charlotte is towing the line sitting in the eighth spot in the East. Moving up even one spot in the standings would allow the team to avoid facing the Miami Heat or Indiana Pacers in the first round.
The 76ers are the team that could make or break this deal. They want draft picks and good ones. The Suns have four they could offer up for the upcoming year. Charlotte could either offer up their top-8 protected pick from Detroit or the Portland pick which will like sit at around No. 26.
The deadline is still a week away so the three teams have plenty of time to discuss options. Fans should expect this to headline All-Star weekend.
