What the Suns Gave Up in Trading for Craig, Holiday
The Phoenix Suns made two trades at the deadline. They weren’t the moves for the Rockets Eric Gordon or the San Antonio Spurs Thaddeus Young, but they did improve their bench, especially defensively. The Suns traded Jalen Smith and a second round pick to the Indiana Pacers for Torrey Craig. They did even better in picking up Aaron Holiday from the Washington Wizards for cash considerations. The Suns trades leave them with some flexibility. Giving up very little to bolster their bench means Phoenix still has options on the buyout market and with the midlevel exception.
Where Craig and Holiday help Suns the Most
Torrey Craig can play small and power forward. In smaller lineups he can be used to defend and play at the center position. That versatility will give the Suns options, especially in backing up power forward Jae Crowder. Power Forward is the one front court position the Suns really didn’t have anyone coming off the bench. Aaron Holidaycan help Phoenix in two ways: backing up Chris Paul, and an insurance policy off the bench at both guard positions. Landry Shamet and Cameron Payne’s return from injury remains unknown for now. Holiday gives the Suns a more willing shooter than Elfrid Payton. He could play some shooting guard if Shamet continues to struggle.
Question for the Suns After the Trade Deadline
Do the Suns have enough three point shooting off their bench? Holiday and Craig’s three point percentages this year are below their career averages. What happens if the Rockets buyout Eric Gordon? How much interest the Suns still have in him may now hinges on how players look coming back from injury. It now also depends on two new plays fit with everyone else off the bench. Craig, who played for Phoenix last year, should have an easier time than Holiday. Whatever happens Suns fans should be happy that their team is still trying to improve a championship contending roster.
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