Phoenix Suns Rumors: Brandon Knight Headed to Cleveland?

Nov 16, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (11) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (11) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brandon Knight of the Phoenix Suns could be a viable back-up point guard option for contending teams, according to reports.

The Phoenix Suns have two things going for them despite an ugly start to the season.

First comes in the form of a young, talented backcourt. They boast a young star in Devin Booker, and guys with potential like Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight, and Tyler Ulis. Leandro Barbosa is now a part of this equation, after signing a two-year deal worth $8 million in July.

And secondly, they’re bad. Chances are the Suns won’t compete for a postseason appearance this season. They’re young, and have a chance to develop into a contender with the young core they currently have, but they’re not ready yet.

Knowing this, they have some guys that would draw interest to teams looking to make that push into a lengthy playoff run. Knight, the Suns backup point guard, is an intriguing option for several teams, according to bleacherreport.com.

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The 24-year old guard, now in his third season with the Suns, is playing in 24.6 minutes per game, while dropping 12.5 points per game and dishing out 2.9 assists per game.

According to Bleacher Report, Knight is apparently drawing interest from the defending-champion Cleveland Cavaliers. Allen James Dinglasan of hngn.com reports that in exchange for Knight, the Cavs could possible send guard Iman Shumpert and center Chris Anderson to Phoenix.

The Cavaliers, like the Suns, could use their depth to their advantage. At the guard position, they have frequent players like Shumpert, JR Smith, and Kyrie Irving. Guys who don’t see the court a whole lot are Jordan McRae, Kay Felder, and Mike Dunleavy. Knight would serve as a better backup option to Irving than the players they currently have.

Andersen hasn’t seen much playing time either, logging 8.8 MPG and averaging 2.7 PPG with 3 RPG. Shumpert plays an average of 22.3 MPG with 6.8 PPG in 14 games this season.

Matt Moore of CBS Sports sees Knight as a potential fit with other teams, such as the Orlando Magic, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers.

Next: Phoenix Suns: Booker, Bledsoe Shine Again in Loss to Nuggets

The Cavaliers and the Suns have, and can use, depth to their advantage. Knight would be a viable backup to Irving, and would serve them well down the stretch.