BOSTON CELTICS
SMALL/BIG – Suns send a 2018 1st round pick (via Miami) for Terry Rozier OR Marcus Smart
Again, the need for another PG facilitates this for Phoenix. One of these two will be available and the Suns should make an offer to land whichever one that is.
Rozier is only owed a total of roughly $4M between this year and next. He’s only 23 and is having a bit of a break out year as he is posting career-highs in each category, shooting 36% on treys with 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals. In three career starts, he’s lighting it up on 47% accuracy from beyond the arc and averages of 19.7 points, 8 rebounds and 5.7 assists. Also, he’s playing out of position and in a crowded Boston roster so his assist numbers would definitely go up.
Smart is also only 23. His contract is a different situation as he will be a restricted free agent after this year but that means the Suns have to right to match any offer. He has only made 29% of the treys he’s taken in his career but his shot is inconsistent in a good way meaning he has room for growth in a calmed down environment and next to Booker, his shooting could find some fluidity. He hit seven threes in a single game so he CAN shoot. He can also make plays and has shown he can find the open man. What he brings on the defensive side of the ball is the reason a franchise goes hard after him. With career highs of 8 steals and 3 blocks and built like he took over Mike Tyson’s gym, he has the frame and skills to bully even All-Star offensive players. Just ask James Harden. Adding him to the team would make the game that much easier for Booker.