The Phoenix Suns are no longer using shooting guard Grayson Allen as a trade chip, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Recently, the Suns reportedly scanned the market and to see what a package of Allen and forward Nassir Little might bring in return. Allen has since been removed from any talks with the Feb. 8 trade deadline right around the corner.
“Allen has played so well in Phoenix, as part of the three-team megadeal that landed Lillard in Milwaukee, the Suns are no longer considering him for a trade before next month’s deadline, according to league sources,” Fischer wrote.
Allen said the rumors come as no surprise.
“My name has been in someone’s tweet every year since I’ve been in the league,” he said. “I hardly pay any attention to it. Usually, it brings a smile to my face because it’s a little funny. I’ve loved playing here this season. I love playing with this team. I don’t want to be traded.”
Allen is averaging 13.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists, shooting 51 percent from the field and a league-leading 49 percent on 3-pointers. He’s become an underrated perimeter presence on a team that features stars such as forward Kevin Durant and shooting guards Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Allen is making $8.5 million in the final year of his contract and carries NBA career averages of 10.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists with the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks and Suns. He was the No. 21 overall pick out of Duke in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Phoenix (25-18 entering Wednesday night) sits in sixth place in the Western Conference.
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