Brandon Knight
Mar 26, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (3) shoots over Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8) during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. USA TODAY Sports/Joe Camporeale

The Phoenix Suns are not willing to trade Brandon Knight, contrary to earlier reports, despite relegating the point guard to a sixth man role.

Last season, Knight was the starting PG in the absence of the injured Eric Bledsoe. As a starter, Knight averaged a career-high tally of 19.6 points, 5.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds. However, Knight has been coming off the bench this season since the Suns are invested in the starting backcourt of Bledsoe and Devin Booker.

Since undertaking a sixth man role, Knight's numbers have dipped to 12.8 points and 3.2 assists. Seeing as the Suns also have rookie Tyler Ulis on the roster, analysts expect Knight's role to diminish further in the coming months.

The Suns have begun the new season with a 3-9 record and could make some drastic changes ahead of February's trade deadline. However, general manager Ryan McDonough isn't willing to move Knight.

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Brandon Knight: Sixth man

“We’re certainly not looking to move Brandon (Knight), we haven’t been close to trading Brandon,” the Suns GM said on the Burns and Gambo Show on Wednesday.

McDonough acknowledged that Knight was still adjusting to life as a sixth man just one season removed from a career-best performance as a starter. “I think he’d love to be starting, we understand that. He’s accepted the role very well. I think you guys will see him go on a run here."

Knight, drafted No.8 overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2011, is under contract with the Suns through the 2019-20 season. He is owed a total of US$56.5 million (AU$76.5 million) over the next few seasons.

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Since Knight's contract is trade friendly, the Suns shouldn't have a problem finding takers for the talented guard. But Knight's history with injuries has certainly deterred his value in the league.

The Phoenix Suns seem determined to roll with Devin Booker as their next franchise player. Also, they drafted promising bigs Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender this summer. Their future is bright but like any other rebuilding team, the wins won't come overnight.

How long before the Suns resist trading Brandon Knight? Or would Knight embrace his new role?

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