NBA Trade Grades: Phoenix Suns deal for Troy Daniels

Phoenix Suns

Speaking of Devin Booker, it’s downright hilarious that the Suns are adding Troy Daniels to the roster just months after the two got into a verbal spat during an early February game, especially when the 20-year-old shooting guard completely slammed him following the game.

However, according to Gambadoro, the Suns approached Booker about the trade beforehand to make sure there wouldn’t be any problems between the two, so hopefully their reunion won’t be too awkward.

Phoenix Suns

In any case, having someone who will push Booker in practice is actually a pretty sly move from general manager Ryan McDonough, especially since this new addition will also address two big areas of concern for the Suns.

The first is the backup 2-guard position. With second round selection Davon Reed sidelined by injury, Phoenix’s other options were Derrick Jones Jr. (a third-stringer with no shot who also plays the 3), Peter Jok (recently signed but unproven) and Elijah Millsap (another journeyman who’s struggled to stick in the league).

Daniels provides a more deft touch behind Booker at the 2, especially since he addresses another area of need: 3-point shooting. Last year, Phoenix ranked 27th in 3-point percentage and 29th in 3-point makes. Daniels will help in spot minutes there, even if his defense and the rest of his game hardly warrant extended minutes.

In addition to this, the Suns also nabbed one of Memphis’ 2018 second-rounders for nothing more than a top-55 protected pick that won’t convey.

McDonough did well to capitalize on another team’s need to clear a roster spot, absorbing the remaining two years and $6.7 million on Daniel’s contract into the Suns’ ample cap space. Throwing in an additional second-rounder makes this a pretty clear-cut victory for Phoenix, even if it’s a relatively small one.

Grade: A-