Phoenix Suns trade Dario Saric to the Houston Rockets, get D.J. Augustin
Committed to a rebuild and with guards Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, and Josh Christopher in the fold, it makes zero sense for the Houston Rockets to continue handing journeyman ball-handler D.J. Augustin double-digit minutes each night.
Meanwhile, the Suns need some help at the point guard spot behind Chris Paul. Cameron Payne continues to play at an inconsistent level, and Elfird Payton resembles a true non-factor, averaging his fewest assists, fewest points since his rookie year, and his most turnovers per 36 minutes this season.
But if Augustin comes to the desert, everyone’s problems go away, as the Rockets attain more freedom to develop their players and the Suns add some ball-handling insurance. At the same time, Phoenix saves some cap room and grants Houston another young and talented player to build around next year in Saric.
D.J. AUGUSTIN CALLED GAME
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 13, 2019
MAGIC LEAD RAPTORS 1-0 pic.twitter.com/kN62uOq03C
Locked up at the center spot with Alperen Sengun and Christian Wood, the potential combination at power forward of Kenyon Martin Jr. and Saric grants Houston perhaps the entire league’s most promising frontcourt core. The Rockets would likely agree to this idea immediately and even proceed to take Payton as a filler to balance out the money.
Augustin then takes Payton’s spot within the rotation while also becoming a “stay ready” guy for Payne’s off-nights. His 5.5 points and 2.2 assists per game this year might not jump out at you, but his .414/.415/.868 shooting slashes are all better than that of Payne’s and Payton’s for the year.
His veteran presence and poise especially come playoff time can only help the Suns as well. Adding Augustin comes at no expense to Phoenix, and resembles a home-run addition from all angles.