By this point, the Phoenix Suns need for greater point-guard depth is a well identified and pressing issue. However, after failing to address it so far in free agency, the team’s window to acquire another ball-handler is continuing to tighten.
Phoenix need someone who is capable of producing in a playoff rotation, but one that also understands their position behind Chris Paul. That automatically narrows the list of realistic options, never mind the difficulty of assessing the value you’d need to give in return.
That’s what makes a deal here difficult – the Suns aren’t going to get a playoff rotation player without giving up something substantial. As a result, you end up with trades that can favour Phoenix, or ones where they give up too much value simply because of the need.
While a proposed trade with the Boston Celtics may have its reasoning, it’s one that makes little sense from a Phoenix Suns’ standpoint.
Heavy Sports‘ Jack Simone has proposed a deal that would see the Suns acquire Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, and a draft pick, for forwards Cameron Johnson and Jae Crowder.
"“This deal could end up helping both sides, as the Celtics would receive added depth and the Suns would finally get a reliable backup point guard. Plus, trading Johnson is something the Suns have explored in the past”, Simone said."
Firstly, are we sure that White is a reliable backup point-guard come playoff time? Yes, he did have his moments for the Celtics last season, but by the end of the Finals he seemed engulfed by the pressure and lack of relative experience. Plus, with the offense running through Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, White was more an off-ball spot up shooter than he was a traditional point-guard.
White is undoubtedly a solid player, one who could help the Suns or any other team for that matter. For that price though, where Phoenix are giving up two of their best six players? It would be a flat out horrific transaction if James Jones went through with it.
The idea of trading Johnson isn’t crazy, but the Suns will still value him even if player and franchise don’t commit to an extension this offseason. He’s now a starting caliber player, regardless of whether he remains in a sixth man role.
Given the Suns are in contention, and with Johnson on an incredibly team-friendly contract (for one more season), under no circumstance should he be moved unless it’s for a similar or better level player.
Phoenix are trying to win the championship this season. Therefore, even if they did let Johnson walk in free agency next offseason, they aren’t going to inhibit their title chances by trading him for a lesser quality player.
Now, if the deal was White for Crowder and Torrey Craig, then there’d be conversations. But in that instance, Boston are probably walking away happy to retain the 28-year-old former Spur.
Ultimately, the Suns are better aiming for an option on a rebuilding team that value draft assets, rather than a fellow championship contender like the Celtics.