Phoenix Suns: 2019 NBA Draft grades

Trading for Aron Baynes and Ty Jerome at No. 24

Ty Jerome is not a bad addition by any means. He’s coming off an NCAA championship season with the Virginia Cavaliers, is an underrated defender and is perhaps the best passer in this year’s draft class. He can help this Phoenix backcourt, not only with his playmaking (5.5 assists per game last year), but also with his career 39.2 percent 3-point shooting.

With that being said, sacrificing that Milwaukee Bucks first round pick that’s only top-seven protected next year is another irresponsible use of assets, especially to trade back into a weak, flat draft.

Even if the Bucks lead the league in wins again next year and wind up at No. 30 in the draft, that’s an extra bargaining chip the Suns cashed in on yet another rookie they didn’t necessarily need.

Not only did the Suns give up the Bucks pick in the exchange, but they agreed to take on Aron Baynes’ $5.4 million expiring contract as well. Baynes is a good, tough player, and addresses a position of need with backup big Richaun Holmes being an unrestricted free agent this summer.

However, are we sure he’s an upgrade over the high-octane energy Holmes provided? Especially if we’re not sure he even wants to be part of a rebuild? Maybe Jones didn’t want to worry about trying to re-sign Holmes, but Baynes’ contract eats into most of the cap space Phoenix freed up with the T.J. Warren salary dump.

Jerome is a good pick in a vacuum, but having to give up that Bucks pick and take on Baynes’ contract is another fundamental misuse of assets.

Grade: C