Video of James Jones and Masai Ujiri stirs Suns-Raptors trade rumors
Suns GM James Jones' walk with Raptors vice chairman and president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri added fuel to trade rumors already in the air.
Arizona Sports captured the two executives on video before Phoenix's 114-106 victory over Toronto on Monday. It appeared as if Jones and Ujuri were heading to negotiate. While Jones seemed absorbed in thought, Ujiri was in good spirits, flashing a peace sign and giving a thumbs-up to a fan before heading down the tunnel.
It's widely believed that Toronto (23-29) will make a few changes to its roster at the deadline to get younger. The Suns (27-25), who lack depth and have eight first-round picks until 2030, could become aggressive buyers once they find a destination for forward Jae Crowder.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Monday that Phoenix was one of two teams interested in Raptors forward O.G. Anunoby should he become available. Anunoby, 25, averages 16.9 points per game and leads the league in steals per game (2.1).
Twitter users couldn't help but refer to a 2020 video of Jones taking a similar tunnel walk with Thunder GM Sam Presti. Oklahoma City traded PG Chris Paul to Phoenix the following offseason, making Monday's stroll all the more intriguing.
Oddly enough, Charania reported Tuesday that Toronto is now taking calls on Anunoby. It's hard to imagine that's just a coincidence.
Anunoby isn't the only Raptor reportedly circled on Phoenix's trade target list. Charania mentioned earlier this month that Phoenix has its eye on Fred VanVleet, who has a player option for next season, as a potential long-term Paul replacement.
There was a report that VanVleet turned down a four-year, $114 million contract in the offseason, but he denied the claim. Chances are VanVleet doesn't receive that type of offer this summer. The seven-year vet has struggled this season; his 34.1 three-point percent is a career worst.
Yahoo Sports' Jack Fischer told the "The JD Bunkis Podcast" that the Suns are also among several teams interested in Gary Trent Jr. Like VanVleet, Trent has a player option for next season, which he will exercise.
While the opt-out could make the Raptors inclined to trade him, they have shown a willingness to re-sign Trent, per Sportsnet's Michael Grange.
Toronto has expressed an interest in Deandre Ayton, per Fischer. Phoenix didn't bother to offer Ayton a max contract in free agency but did match the offer he received from Indiana. Toronto would likely have to offer a haul in exchange for the former No.1 overall pick, and it's worth noting Ayton can't be traded this season without his consent.
There's no guarantee that Jones and Ujiri's walk will lead to a deal, but the two teams make sense as trade partners. The trade deadline is Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. ET.
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