Phoenix Suns acquire Doug McDermott for Landry Shamet, Josh Okogie and a 2023 second-round pick
This trade involves the same parameters as the first, except for a different kind of player. Doug McDermott is a very similar player to Shamet, yet has proven himself much more consistent and productive over the course of his eight-year career.
The 30-year-old is a career 40.9% three-point shooter and showed no signs of slowing down in 2021-22. His 11.3 points per game were the second most of his career (just behind the season prior), shooting 42.2% from deep on five attempts per game.
Why would the Suns do it?
The Suns offensive system doesn’t lend itself to players like McDermott and Shamet. However, perhaps a lack of trust in Shamet may have also contributed to his decline in production last season.
McDermott is an experienced veteran at this point having consistently shown to be a dangerous perimeter threat. While by no means is he a good defender, his 6’7″ frame means he can compete on that end and play either forward positions. McDermott and Jae Crowder could provide a nice combination off the bench, assuming the latter remains at the Suns.
Why would the Spurs do it?
Again, as was the case with Richardson, McDermott is slightly more valuable to winning than Shamet. Although McDermott is a solid role-player, it’s hard to envisage him fetching the Spurs a first-round pick.
Shamet is still young enough that he could develop alongside the Spurs young core – Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Josh Primo and Jeremy Sochan.