NBA Rumors: Knicks, Suns, Pacers Have Discussed 3-Team Trade

The Phoenix Suns continue to search for ways of lessening their cap/tax burden, while the New York Knicks are still scouring the league trying to find a taker for swingman Evan Fournier and his $19M owed for next season. With that, they've engaged the Indiana Pacers, and 3-team trade talks have taken place.

Michael Scotto: "NY, Phoenix, & Indiana had exploratory discussions on a 3-team trade where
–Cam Payne would’ve joined the Knicks,
–TJ McConnell would’ve joined the Suns
–Evan Fournier & pick compensation would’ve gone to the Pacers
…variations of the talks…involved Jordan… pic.twitter.com/JSqBM4uZQs

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 15, 2023

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the trade being discussed would have gone down like this: 

Knicks receive: Cam Payne Suns receive: T.J McConnell Pacers receive: Evan Fournier  

+ Draft pick compensation  

Scotto goes on to add that other variations of the talks included Pacers' small forward Jordan Nwora, who had a nice final 24 games in Indiana after being acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks. 

The Knicks would have created a $19M traded player exception if they had been able to pull off the deal. 

Nice try, but, Scotto then added that "talks have since stalled".

The Suns will continue to look for ways to get off the $6.5M on Payne's contract for next season. With the luxury tax taken into account, moving Payne would save Phoenix about $15M. 

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports