Suns Need To Make Big Trade to Compete for Title

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The Phoenix Suns haven't been having the kind of season that many expected them to have, and it's due in large part to a rash of injuries that have plagued the team since the season tipped off.

Injuries to key players such as Cam Johnson, Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Cam Payne and the absence of Jae Crowder, who is currently awaiting a trade, have hampered the Western Conference powerhouse that has seen them limp to a 20-16 record heading into Friday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Here are some players that the Suns can target to help turn their season around.

Kyle Kuzma

It is no secret that the Washington Wizards are shopping Kyle Kuzma, who has been driving up his price with some steady play this season and it appears that the Suns have Kuzma high atop their wish list.

Kuzma is averaging 21.6 points per game and grabbing 6.3 rebounds along the way, and would be the perfect fit for the Suns.

Phoenix will have to find a taker for Crowder, and would likely need to bring in a third team to get a suitable trade package that would net them Kuzma.

John Collins

The Hawks have been looking for anyone to take on Collins, a once-prized young power forward who has fallen out of favor in Atlanta since inking a lucrative deal.

Collins is not having his finest season, which complicates matters as his contract does not justify his production this year.

Collins is averaging 12.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.

The Hawks certainly have an interest in Crowder, but sending Collins in return would be a tough sell, even though Collins in a Suns frontcourt that features Deandre Ayton would be a very tough task for opposing teams moving forward

Eric Gordon

This isn't news. The Suns have been in the Eric Gordon market for years now and that has not changed this season.

With the Rockets in a clear rebuild, Gordon is expendable, and the Suns have a few expiring contracts that will be very attractive for rebuilding teams such as Houston.

Gordon is averaging 11.2 points per game and provides the three-point threat that fits right in with the Suns.

However, and Gordon/Suns trade will likely have the include another Rockets' piece, with Kenyon Martin Jr. the name most linked to rumors.

Martin Jr. is averaging 10.7 points per game for Houston this season.