Phoenix Suns center Marcin Gortat's long-term future with the Suns may not be bright, but the team is in no hurry to deal the big man, according to Arizona Sports.
Marcin Gortat trade rumors: Suns won’t immediately trade center after drafting Alex Len
The Suns expect to be patient while considering to deal center Gortat and his expiring contract.
USA TODAY Sports
After selecting center Alex Len with the No. 5 overall pick in the draft, the Suns have Gortat's successor in the middle. The rookie is recovering from surgery on his left ankle though, and likely won't be ready to begin playing for the Suns at the start of the regular season. So from a pure logistics standpoint, the Suns need Gortat to play, as general manager Ryan McDonough explains (via Arizona Sports):
“We’re not looking to move him (Gortat),” Suns general manager Ryan McDonough told Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo Friday. “As you guys I’m sure know, Alex had foot surgery, and he’s not ready to play.
“Marcin is one of our best players here. He’s a core guy for us. He is one of the more athletic bigs in the league, he screens, he rolls, he finishes and he blocks shots.”
Gortat dealt with his own ankle injury toward the end of last season, so showing no ill effects on the court could raise his trade value for the Suns before the trade deadline. Gortat’s $7.7 million expiring contract also makes him valuable regardless of how he performs on the court. In 61 games last season, Gortat averaged 11 points and 8.5 rebounds for Phoenix.
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