Report: NBA execs expect Suns to make Knight available for trade

The Phoenix Suns are playing for the future, yet their present struggles could be enough to force management to make a move, rather than remain at a standstill.

One name continuously brought up as being on the chopping block is point guard Brandon Knight, despite general manager Ryan McDonough recently saying during a Phoenix sports radio appearance that he isn't actively trying to trade him.

Even so, several league executives are of the belief that Knight will be made available at some point before February's trade deadline, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.

The 24-year-old was recently inserted back into Earl Watson's starting lineup following a "minor head injury" to T.J. Warren that will keep him on the shelf for at least the next couple of weeks. Knight is averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 dimes in 26.9 minutes in his last three appearances as a starter.

His numbers as a whole on the year leave a lot to be desired, as he's currently putting up some of his worst offensive stats since he entered the league back in 2011. His shots aren't dropping (38.4 percent from the field, 31.4 percent from 3-point range), he's extremely turnover prone (3 turnovers per 36 minutes), and Phoenix performs much better defensively when he doesn't play (6.1 fewer points per 100 possessions).

The core of Warren, Devin Booker, Eric Bledsoe, Alex Len, Marquese Chriss, and Dragan Bender seems pretty much set, with Knight on the outside looking in. His production has fallen off in his second full season with the organization, and unless he miraculously starts showing management enough upside to warrant sticking around, he'll be an easy target for rival teams looking to acquire some backcourt depth.