Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal 

For the Suns, this trade has as much to do with Cam Johnson’s emergence as it has to do with Gordon. 

With Johnson emerging as one of the best shooting wings in the NBA, Crowder becomes expendable. Factor in Torrey Craig’s presence, and it becomes clear that the Suns would do well to flip Crowder for a different type of player. 

Gordon is exactly that. Frankly, Gordon hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations that were strapped to him as a lottery pick. He’s a good defensive player and an elite athlete, but he doesn’t possess the playmaking chops many had hoped he might. 

He still has enough floor vision to run this Suns second unit. Perhaps that’s an ideal role for Gordon. He could come off the bench and play the 4, the 3, or even the 5 in small-ball lineups.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets & Phoenix Suns Updates

The Suns lack playmaking from their reserves, so any upgrade in that area would help. 

Does this deal help the Nuggets?