NBA Trade Grades: Toronto Raptors Add P.J. Tucker From Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
With the worst record in the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns were in position to trade their veterans for young talent or future draft compensation to bolster a developing youth movement.
Only one veteran was traded away in the end, and it wasn’t for the most attractive return, but at least general manager Ryan McDonough didn’t come up completely empty-handed. For a team whose pick is currently slated as the second overall selection, dealing Tucker also ensures the 2016-17 tank job continues.
You could argue the Suns got a better deal for P.J. Tucker than the Sixers got for Nerlens Noel.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 23, 2017
The Suns had remained optimistic that Tucker might command a first-rounder on the open market. After all, McDonough had managed to snake a first-rounder out of the Washington Wizards just last year for Markieff Morris, whose trade value was in the toilet at the time.
Unfortunately it didn’t pan out the same way this time for Phoenix, who will have to settle on an extra second-rounder in 2017 and 2018. However, those picks could be packaged elsewhere in the future, and the 2017 NBA Draft class is fairly deep.
P.J. Tucker was the hardest worker on this team, giving his all on the defensive end and on the boards. He always gave 150 percent to a losing team, he was well liked in the locker room and his defensive versatility will definitely be missed.
However, the Suns’ bottom-five defense will now be even worse with Tucker on the way out, helping Phoenix hold on in the tank race for a top-three pick
Remember there's more to this trade than the return. More PT for Bender and Chriss, a deserved move for Tucker and the team gets worse
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) February 23, 2017
With Tucker’s salary coming off the books this summer, re-signing a 31-year-old veteran who doesn’t move the needle would’ve been a mistake. The Suns got what they could before losing him for nothing this summer, so the trade gets a passing grade.
As for Sullinger, he’ll probably remain with the team until he becomes a free agent this summer. With Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender already in the frontcourt, this temporary addition will add depth to the 4-spot without helping the Suns win games or jeopardizing their long-term cap situation.
Grade: B-