How did the Phoenix Suns do at the 2016 NBA Trade Deadline?
Needing to send away disgruntled forward Markieff Morris, the Suns agreed to ship him to the Washington Wizards for Kris Humphries and a first round pick.
The Suns cut Humphries the following offseason, but Phoenix taking back a first rounder felt like a steal given their urgency to move Morris. The Suns did not end up using that pick though, but instead included it in a package that landed them the rights to Marquese Chriss.
Although Chriss spent more time in street clothes than a Suns jersey when with the team, he occasionally shined as a lone bright spot for Phoenix when healthy. Had injuries not derailed his career as a young and athletic prospect, Chriss might have helped Booker spearhead Phoenix’s rebuilding efforts, rather than being traded to the Houston Rockets after two seasons.
Marquese Chriss was everywhere for the @Suns.
— NBA (@NBA) March 6, 2017
He recorded a career-high 5 blocks in the W for PHX! #NBARooks pic.twitter.com/TaLPRHdSNz
It also should be said that the first round which Phoenix originally received from Washington was not the only thing that led the Suns to Chriss. This might feel painful to remember, but Phoenix also included the rights to sharp shooter Bogdan Bogdanovic in the deal among other assets.
Had the Suns not possessed this first round pick, they might have given up even more alongside Bogdanovic. So in a way, Phoenix somewhat saved themselves from themselves by making this move way back in 2016.
Grade: C-