Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Top-ten worst trades in Phoenix Suns history

By Adam Maynes

SACRAMENTO, CA - 1996: Jon Hot Rod Williams
SACRAMENTO, CA - 1996: Jon Hot Rod Williams /
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7. Luol Deng

PHOENIX – NOVEMBER 24: Luol Deng #9 of the Chicago Bulls puts up a shot during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on November 24, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bulls defeated the Suns 123-115 in double overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX – NOVEMBER 24: Luol Deng #9 of the Chicago Bulls puts up a shot during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on November 24, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bulls defeated the Suns 123-115 in double overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

At a time when the Suns were literally competing for a Championship every season, the last thing they wanted was depth and young talent. Sorry, that was snarky, but based on their strategy, true…

Mike D’Antoni had a penchant for playing his roster only eight men deep, and the team was paying a lot of money to keep their core stars together making first round picks seemingly expensive and a waste of a roster spot.

Sure, the Suns traded Deng for a later first round pick that draft (they selected Jackson Vroman – big deal) and a future first (they selected Nate Robinson who they also immediately traded) but what Deng immediately became in the NBA was not only the best depth player the Suns would have had in their front court, but also the perfect replacement for Shawn Marion when he was eventually traded for Shaquille O’Neal.

Once again such little foresight with the sole intention of saving a little money not only very possibly cost the Suns a Championship during the D’Antoni era, but also the shot at remaining more competitive as the main core aged.

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