After a rare instance where a former lottery pick saw his third-year option declined before the regular season, 2020 No. 10 overall pick Jalen Smith is generating buzz around the NBA.

According to Matt Moore of The Action Network, Smith is a known commodity leading up to Thursday's trade deadline. For teams in need of a big man, Smith could come in and provide an intriguing skillset.

The Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors are among the teams that have inquired about the former lottery pick.

Smith has been unable to crack the Suns' rotation consistently for his first two seasons as the team is in full-on championship mode. Phoenix simply doesn't have the time to develop Smith while they chase another Finals appearance.

In 27 games this season, Smith has averaged 6.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 13.6 minutes per game. If you stretch that out over a per-36 minute threshold, Smith is amassing 16.8 points, 13.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. 

The 21-year-old still has plenty of potential and could become part of a team's long-term plan. It's shocking to see a team decline a prospect's third-year team option, especially with a former lottery pick, but that's exactly what happened with Smith in Phoenix.

Smith is one of the Suns' most enticing trade chips before the deadline, so the probability that he's moved continues to rise. The NBA trade deadline is this Thurday at 3 p.m. ET.