Brandon Knight, Tyson Chandler face uncertain Suns futures

They were shut down Feb. 24, just after the All-Star break. Guard Brandon Knight and center Tyson Chandler haven’t played since, watching the next 24 games as management evaluated a young roster.

What’s next? As the Suns enter Tuesday’s final contest at Sacramento, it’s hard to say. The two are in different places, not only with the Suns, but in their careers. Chandler, 34, is about to wrap up his 16th season, while Knight, 25, is finishing his sixth. At this point, there are different motivations.

“We’ll see how things go,” Knight said. “I can be there and support the guys like I’ve been doing, that’s all I can do. I’m still part of the team. I’m still here with the Phoenix Suns. Even moving into the summer I’ll be professional, continue to hold myself to the character that I’ve been holding myself to as a professional, regardless of the situation.”

MORE: Is Suns guard Devin Booker the Valley’s next big star?

Before the trade deadline, management gave Chandler an option: Go to a playoff contender or stay with the rebuilding Suns. He chose to stay, continuing his role as mentor even as he sat out. He expects to return next season.

“I think it all depends, honestly, on what direction the team is going in,” Chandler said. “Honestly, I don’t think it’s possible for any team just to go young because then you have a roster full of guys just competing with each other. I’ve had a good relationship with the owners here and management and even the coaching staff. There’s no doubt in my mind that whatever happens it will be a common agreement, whatever’s the best for myself and the organization.”

Chandler played well this season. His 11.5 rebounds per game would’ve placed eighth in the league had he played in enough games to qualify. He also averaged 8.4 points, shooting 67.1 percent from the field, and was a constant voice in the ear of rookie forward Marquese Chriss, big man Alan Williams and others. During timeouts, while coaches talked on the court, Chandler occasionally took over in the team huddle.

“I love these dudes,” Chandler said. “I love (guard Devin Booker). I love ‘Quese. I love Alan. (Forward) T.J. (Warren). So for me, I want what’s best for them. I’ve accomplished a lot throughout my career. At the end of the day, I want to see those young players grow.”

RELATED: Where Suns, others could pick in NBA draft

Chandler, who won a title with Dallas, has two more years on a contract that will pay $26.5 million. Knight is owed nearly $44 million over three years, which likely will be a hurdle in moving him.

Just two years ago, before he came to the Suns in a trade, Knight had played at a near All-Star level. In his first full season in Phoenix last year, he started 50 of 52 games, averaging 19.6 points and 5.1 assists. This season, however, with Booker blossoming, coach Earl Watson relied on Knight to provide energy and scoring off the bench. It never really worked.

Knight averaged career lows in scoring (11 points per game), assists (2.4) and minutes (21.1). Without him in the lineup, the ball seemed to move better. Before the All-Star break, with Knight as backup point guard, the Suns averaged 18.6 assists, which tied for last in the league. After the break, with rookie Tyler Ulis in the backup role, they averaged 21.8, which ranked 21st.

“I think they probably did whatever they thought was best for the situation,” Knight said of Phoenix management. “For me, I just tried to be professional. I control what I can control. That’s it. I can’t speak for management or how the situation went. Like I said, I just tried to be as professional as possible.”

After shutting down starting point guard Eric Bledsoe on March 15, the Suns asked Knight to rejoin the rotation, but he declined because of back spasms. Asked if he wanted to return to Phoenix next season, Knight dodged the question.

“I’m going to be wherever I’m wanted and I’m going to do my best to continue to be a better player,” he said. “I’m going to continue to work on my game, continue to move forward as an individual.”

MORE: NBA power rankings – Suns end on high note?

Contact Doug Haller at 602-444-4949 or at [email protected]. Follow him at Twitter.com/DougHaller. 

Tuesday’s game

Suns at Kings

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento.

TV/radio: FSAZ/KTAR FM 98.7.

Phoenix update: The Suns (24-57) have won two in a row but still have the Western Conference’s worst record. Guard Devin Booker (22.1 ppg) said after Sunday’s win that he plans to play Tuesday, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t play much, or even at all. Rookie forward Marquese Chriss suffered a knee contusion in Sunday’s win but said he is fine.