Phoenix Suns moves for the trade deadline: 3. Fill that last spot
The roster stands at 14 players as of Wednesday.
This doesn’t mean parting with any players or much money; just the extra guy for added depth.
The real reason is that there may be a player who offers a little more than what Jalen Smith — or even Jevon Carter — may bring during the playoffs.
Perhaps he’s bringing a few years’ worth of experience to the team so that, in an emergency situation (injuries to Ayton and/or Kaminsky), the Suns would not have to cross their fingers and ask Smith for 20 or more quality minutes.
This low-risk, high-reward “break glass in case of emergency” move would offset the lack of playoff experience, too.
After Chris Paul and Jae Crowder, it’s pretty pedestrian.
Booker, Cam Johnson, Galloway, Ayton and Mikal Bridges have not played in the postseason, while Kaminsky and Cameron Payne each have had only a taste.
The team has received — and will continue to receive — volumes of information and education from Paul and Crowder, but one more voice couldn’t hurt.
If nothing else, it could ultimately help the team and would certainly placate fans who can’t stand inaction at the deadline.
While the team will have to address key issues during the coming offseason, there are no expiring contracts that could or should be moved; there aren’t going to be teams clamoring for the Suns’ meager draft-pick offerings, since they don’t appear headed for the lottery.
The market should be full of fringy guys who could make sense. Wayne Ellington, George Hill, Trevor Ariza and others could fit.