Phoenix Suns Grade: B+
This was a good trade for the Phoenix Suns. As mentioned earlier, the Suns will save a little bit of money, which is something ownership always likes to do. While Robert Sarver has said that he will pay the luxury tax once extensions for their young players in Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges are due, it is nice having some more flexibility until that happens.
Shamet will give the Suns some good backcourt depth, which was needed. Langston Galloway, Cameron Payne, E’Twaun Moore and Chris Paul will all be free agents. Paul is widely expected to re-sign, but that is not the case for everyone.
Galloway has already stated that he is looking for a bigger role next season and there is a chance a team comes with a big offer for Payne after how well he played in the postseason. Shamet gives the team insurance in case that occurs.
The Wichita State product has been a solid combo guard in his career. He can play either backcourt spot with some success, as he is a good enough playmaker to initiate the offense and is a great shooter. He has knocked down 39.7 percent of his 3-point attempts in his career.
The Suns no longer have a selection in the 2021 NBA Draft, but for a team looking to win now, that isn’t too big of a deal. Landry Shamet is likely to contribute more than whoever they selected with the 29th pick.
