Thu, Feb 9, 2023 at 2:00pm

BAZLEY BROUGHT IN BY PHOENIX

The Phoenix Suns acquired forward Darius Bazley from the Oklahoma City Thunder for center/forward Dario Saric, a second-round draft pick in 2029 and cash.

What does it give the Phoenix Suns
Bazley looks like a good fit for Phoenix on the surface, especially after the team traded Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson in the Kevin Durant trade. Look for Bazley to see more minutes on the contending Suns than he was seeing on the young Thunder.

What does it give the Oklahoma City Thunder
Saric looks like a salary dump for Phoenix in this trade, so the second-rounder is probably the reward for the Thunder here. Oklahoma City is no stranger to stockpiling draft picks, but at some point they will probably try to move future assets for immediate help. Eventually.

Fantasy impact
Bazley's stock goes up after this trade, while Saric is probably in limbo. There is a chance that the latter will be waived. As for Bazley, pick him up if available. He is worth a shot as the potential starting power forward in Phoenix moving forward.

Player focus

Phoenix Suns

Darius Bazley F

Oklahoma City Thunder

Dario Saric F/C

Draft pick - Round 2 in 2029

cash