Much like a Christopher Nolan movie, the 2022 NBA trade deadline started with a bang, mellowed out for a bit, and then closed with a mind-blowing third act. The Phoenix Suns came along for the ride, and although they did not pull off any earth-shattering moves, they still did partake in the full feature film that was this afternoon.
Starting things off, the Suns finally moved one player everyone has included in their mock trades since September—former lottery pick Jalen Smith.
In agreeing to a deal with the Indiana Pacers, arguably the most active team at the deadline this year, Phoenix exchanged their stretch big and a future second round pick for forward Torrey Craig. Yes, that’s the same Torrey Craig which Phoenix traded for at the deadline last year, coming to terms on a cash deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Shortly after that, the Suns also sent off their injury exception money granted on behalf of Dario Saric for Aaron Holiday, who until that moment had played for the Washington Wizards. The Wiz Kids also proved active at the deadline, dealing away Spencer Dinwiddie and Montrezl Harrell on separate trades, while eventually acquiring Kristaps Porzingis.
Around the league, the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets finally reached an agreement on a Ben Simmons and James Harden deal. Serge Ibaka also found his way to the Milwaukee Bucks, and Dennis Schröder will head south to link up with the Houston Rockets.
Without question, the last few hours provided tons of entertainment for all NBA fans. But in concentrating solely on the Suns, and with the dust now settled from all the Woj bombs, grades for their two trade deadline transactions go as follows.