The Brooklyn Nets have waived Kenneth Faried and he plans on signing with the Houston Rockets who have been looking to clear Carmelo Anthony to open a roster spot. The Phoenix Suns should look to see if it’d be beneficial for them to help facilitate a deal.
The Phoenix Suns have a chance to help themselves by helping another team. They should see if it’d be worth it.
After appearing in only 12 games and only logging 9.8 minutes per game, Kenneth Faried has negotiated a buyout with the Brooklyn Nets.
He will be signing with the Houston Rockets, who have a clear need for a defensive forward and “Manimal” would be a good fit who will have a chance at some serious playing time.
To sign Faried, Houston will need to open a roster spot. Carmelo Anthony mutually parted ways with the team in mid-November and the Rockets would rather not just let him go for nothing.
“Melo” is friends with LeBron and the Lakers star free agent acquisition would no doubt enjoy playing with him.
However, what does Los Angeles have to deal for him that would be a fair swap and help Houston?
It would likely be more than a second round pick.
A young player that’s not quite ready to contribute would probably not be enough.
Phoenix Suns
Ivica Zubac would surely help in the front court but he’s been playing very well lately (63% FG for 11.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in only 18.9 minutes per game over last 14 games). It’d likely take more than a player that’s turning 35 and will be an unrestricted free agent this coming summer to acquire him.
The clearest match would likely be Josh Hart but the Rockets have James Harden at shooting guard and Hart may not be happy about how much of a minute reduction he’d suffer going to a crowded backcourt.
As crowded as that Houston backcourt is, the injury bug has bitten Chris Paul and Eric Gordon in the past. Brandon Knight’s shooting this season has been something out of a horror movie. Danuel House Jr. just parted ways with the team. Austin Rivers has started out very well with them but look at what he did earlier this season with the Washington Wizards. He’s probably going to cool off sooner rather than later.
If only they could get their hands on a veteran guard that could help now, wouldn’t demand a lot of playing time and could produce in the playoffs while not being a cap burden at the end of the 2018-19 campaign.
Enter the Phoenix Suns.
Might the Rockets be interested in Jamal Crawford?
As much help as he’s been off the court and in the locker room, this season is already lost for the Suns. A player that is close to retirement deserves another playoff run. As much as he’s done for the young players, the team owes it to him to give him that chance.
He’s on a one-year veteran’s minimum contract which is salary friendly for the Rockets, he’d be a nice fit in what they’re trying to do, can step in when needed and help them down the stretch.
Houston could waive James Nunnally to open the spot while essentially gaining Jamal Crawford and Kenneth Faried.
The Suns wouldn’t get a lot for him at this point in his career, but the Suns are a young team looking for improvement. One of the ways you get that is taking a flier on a young player and LeBron has already shown he’s not 100 percent set on playing with young guys.
If it was a make or break to get someone like Carmelo, LeBron would likely get the Lakers to be willing to part with a young player that hasn’t exactly proven ready yet.
Perhaps a young power forward. That could stretch the floor.
Is Moritz Wagner available in this situation?
He’s only 21-years-old. The Phoenix Suns have probably put Dragan Bender in their rear view mirror at this point. Shooting the three ball (inconsistently at that) is all Bender has shown he’s able to do at this point.
Wagner made 1.6 treys on 4.1 attempts (39%) from downtown in college. He averaged 2 steals and 1.7 blocks in six summer league games.
Moe hasn’t played many NBA regular season minutes so far but he has potential.
He’s made 8 of 21 triples (38%) and if you split his per 36-minutes numbers has him logging 18.8 points, 9 rebounds and 0.8 blocks.
Taking a chance on him at the risk of an older player that will likely retire or leave at the end of the season is a very worthwhile risk.
Will the Rockets and Lakers will be willing to make a deal?
The Suns should at least ask.