Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Phoenix Suns appear unwilling to move on from Landry Shamet

By Peter O'Keefe

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 02: Landry Shamet #14 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half against the Adelaide 36ers at Footprint Center on October 02, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The 36ers beat the Suns 134-124. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 02: Landry Shamet #14 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half against the Adelaide 36ers at Footprint Center on October 02, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The 36ers beat the Suns 134-124. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Phoenix Suns appear set to hold faith in the long-term extension given to shooting-guard Landry Shamet ahead of last season. The franchise acquired the 25-year-old in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets last offseason, before giving him a four-year, $43 million deal prior to playing in a Suns uniform.

Shamet’s first season in Phoenix was slightly underwhelming, a fact not lost on the Wichita State product ahead of his second year. But given his generous salary and lack of relative on-court value, trade speculation has been plentiful over this offseason.

Recently reported trade discussions between the Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks prove the franchise remain hopeful of Landry Shamet’s long-term production.

Providing an update on the Jae Crowder situation on Wednesday, Yahoo Sports’  Jake Fischer reported that Shamet’s name had been raised in a possible two-for-one deal.

"“While the Hawks have made calls about injured wing Bogdan Bogdanovic, a potential framework of Crowder and Landry Shamet for Bogdanovic has made the rounds among front-office personnel, although one source with knowledge of the situation claimed Shamet is not part of any active Suns conversations with Atlanta.”"

Landry Shamet guards Antonius Cleveland in the Phoenix Suns first preseason game. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Landry Shamet guards Antonius Cleveland in the Phoenix Suns first preseason game. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

Those choice of words seems to suggest Phoenix are unwilling to include Shamet, rather than Atlanta having no interest in the dangerous three-point shooter. That’s not to conclude he’s a cinch to remain with the Suns even beyond this season, but that it’ll take a major upgrade to incentivise such a deal.

Shamet could be set for more combo-guard duties this season, looking to add further ball-handling and playmaking elements to his growing game. He was underwhelming in the Suns opening preseason matchup against the Adelaide 36ers, before showcasing his offensive talents in a much improved performance against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Phoenix Suns: Crowder trade target not so easy to orchestrate. dark. Next

He finished with 21 points on 5-for-7 from three-point range in that contest, providing the spark plug Phoenix fans will hope translates consistently during the regular season. He missed the final two preseason games with a left hip strain, though there’s optimism he’ll be available for the Suns opener against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.

Home/Suns News