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Phoenix Suns Reportedly Pursued Playoff Hero During Season
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, the Phoenix Suns reportedly showed interest in acquiring Indiana Pacers guard TJ McConnell during the 2023-24 season.
“He has one year remaining beyond this season on his current deal, an attractive salary as league executives view TJ McConnell as one of the best reserves in the league. His value contract, in addition to his endless battery, most notably drew trade inquiries from the Phoenix Suns throughout this past season, league sources told Yahoo Sports.”
Ultimately, no trade between the two teams came to fruition. The Suns, who ended the regular season as the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, struggled without a traditional point guard in the starting lineup. If they had acquired McConnell, the team would have had a point guard who could contribute on both sides of the ball.
Phoenix Suns Reportedly Pursued Playoff Hero During Season
TJ McConnell’s 2024 Playoff Success
Currently, McConnell is enjoying some of the best basketball of his career during the Pacers’ playoff run. The 32-year-old is averaging 11.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. Furthermore, he is shooting 49.1% from the field. Despite playing solely on the bench this postseason,
McConnell has scored at least 15 points in a game five times. This includes his 23-point performance against the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. In the game, he also recorded nine rebounds, six assists, and a steal. The guard also shot 10-for-17 from the field.
