Cam Johnson/Dario Saric Trade Labeled One of Best 'Sneakiest' Deals of Last Decade
The Phoenix Suns haven't been shy about adding necessary talent to make a push for a title.
While the team continues their search for a trade partner for power forward Jae Crowder, recently their deal that brought Cam Johnson and Dario Saric to the Valley in 2019 was highlighted by HoopsHype in their most recent article discussing some of the "sneakiest great" trade deals of the last ten years.
From Rudy Gobert landing in Utah to Khris Middleton donning a Bucks jersey, there's a handful of great trades.
Yossi Gozlan offered this on a draft night deal that brought Johnson/Saric to Phoenix:
Trade for Cam Johnson/Dario Saric Labeled One of Best Deals of Last Decade
"On 2019 draft night, the Suns traded the 6th overall selection to the Timberwolves for the 11th overall selection and Dario Saric. Minnesota would select Jarrett Culver with their pick while the Suns would select Cameron Johnson with the 11th. The deal did not work out for the Wolves as they’d end up trading Culver after two seasons and he’d subsequently get the fourth year of his rookie scale contract declined.
"At the time, this trade felt underwhelming from the Suns’ perspective, especially after drafting Johnson which was viewed as a reach. That selection turned out to be optimal considering all the players that were selected between 6 and 11. Saric also was a great contributor for Phoenix prior to his ACL injury and played a role in helping them reach the 2021 Finals."
Although Johnson and Saric have yet to make their impacts felt this season, both have been strong additions to the team.
Johnson played just eight games into the season before tearing his Achilles tendon. He was averaging 13 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per night before the injury. He hopes to return and prove himself worthy of his desired contract extension.
Saric himself has only played eight games due to a combination of recovering from his ACL injury and falling behind in the rotation.
Thus far, the Suns are 15-6 and pacing the Western Conference prior to Friday night's game vs. Houston.
