Should Suns Pursue Celtics Guard Derrick White?
It feels as if it's only a matter of if, not when, the Phoenix Suns pull a trigger on a trade in order to better their roster.
The starting lineup looks nice enough, with names such as Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton occupying most minutes on the floor.
However, bench depth has been a concern for Phoenix as the season grows long with Johnson moving to full-time starting status.
Each trade scenario involved with the Suns moving forward probably has to include Jae Crowder, as the two have yet to reconcile their situation.
In a recent Bleacher Report article contemplating mock trades, the Suns went out and grabbed Boston Celtics guard Derrick White in exchange for Crowder/Cameron Payne.
Phoenix Suns Receive: G Derrick White
Boston Celtics Receive: F Jae Crowder, PG Cameron Payne
"Chris Paul's 32.9 minutes per game last season were his highest since 2014-15. With him now at age 37, the Suns seriously need to limit Paul's workload throughout the regular season," said Greg Swartz.
"White is a perfect sixth man, a combo guard who can handle the ball and play strong defense. He's also capable of starting next to Devin Booker should Paul miss time at any point.
"Boston would be an ideal fit for Crowder, as the team could use more size and shooting off the bench with Danilo Gallinari's ACL tear likely keeping him out for the year. Payne helps replace White's ball-handling in the rotation as well."
Would that be a move the Suns should consider?
Crowder, at this point, is essentially dead weight. Phoenix will likely use Crowder and another player to get an upgrade to their bench, and that's precisely what White would provide.
White averages nearly 10 more minutes per game than Payne, but the numbers do speak for themselves through the early stages of the season.
The 28-year-old guard can play at either spot in the backcourt, and White's acquisition would not only give the Suns a bit more comfort with play behind Chris Paul but also a legitimate scorer to add to the depth when needed.
Phoenix would be wise to try to make this a reality.
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