7 Players the Phoenix Suns gave up on too soon

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PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 28: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on January 28, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Celtics 88-71. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

4. Rajon Rondo

This one is a technicality, as Rajon Rondo never played for the Suns, but given the success he had, it’s easy to view him being drafted and then promptly traded by the Suns as one that got away. The Suns originally drafted Rondo with the 21st pick in 2006 but then traded his draft rights along with Brian Grant and cash considerations for a 2007-first round pick.

They went on to trade that 2007 first-round pick for cash considerations, essentially meaning they traded Rondo straight-up for cash. Rondo went on to be a 4-time all-star, 4-time all defense, 3-time assist leader, a steals leader, an All-NBA team member in 2011-12, and a 2-time NBA champ, one with the big three Celtics and the other with the Lakers in the bubble.

While it’s hard to say Rondo would’ve had the same success with the Suns, it wouldn’t have hurt to at least give him a chance. Rondo had both individual and team success, something he easily could have brought to the Suns for many years.

If the Suns had at least gotten a semi-competent player in return, he wouldn’t be on this list, but given the lack of care for a late first-rounder, a mistake teams don’t make nowadays, missing out on Rondo looks like a major blunder in hindsight.

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