Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Top-5 former Suns who were great after trading away

By Steve Miner

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 6: Isaiah Thomas #3 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on February 6, 2015 at U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 6: Isaiah Thomas #3 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on February 6, 2015 at U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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#2 – Michael Finley

28 Jan 1996: Guard Michael Finley of the Phoenix Suns waits in his defensive stance during the Suns 93-82 loss to the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT
28 Jan 1996: Guard Michael Finley of the Phoenix Suns waits in his defensive stance during the Suns 93-82 loss to the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT /

I guess the Suns passed up on two future All-Stars when they traded for Jason Kidd. I can’t say I blame them for making the trade (although if I absolutely do blame them for the poor Kidd/Marbury trade), but hindsight does make you wonder a bit. Take a look at Michael Finley, who the Suns also traded away for Kidd at Christmas 1996.

The Suns drafted Finley late in the first round of the 1995 draft. He showed promise during his time in Phoenix, making the All-Rookie First Team and averaging just under 15 PPG during that season and a half. However, he broke out during his first full year in Dallas. That year, he averaged 21.5 PPG while shooting roughly 50% from the field and 36% from three. He significantly improved in several other categories as well.

Two seasons later, Michael Finley would become an All-Star. He only made two All-Star teams in his career, but that’s still quite a feat in the Western Conference. He was also a star player for some great Mavericks teams and ultimately a major contributor for a championship Spurs team.

Again, were Michael Finley and Sam Cassell ultimately worth Jason Kidd? Maybe, but the Suns ultimately didn’t take full advantage of Kidd when they had him.

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