The Phoenix Suns pulled off a trade today as they acquired shooting guard Troy Daniels and a 2018 second round pick from the Memphis Grizzlies. In return, Memphis will receive a 2018 protected second-round pick from Phoenix.
Daniels appeared in 67 games (3 starts) for the Grizzlies last season, finishing with per game averages of 8.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.7 steals. He averaged 17.7 minutes per game and shot 38.9% on 5.3 three-point attempts a game.
The 26-year-old has appeared in 162 games (4 starts) over the course of four seasons with the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Charlotte Hornets, and Grizzlies.
He is a career 40.6% on threes, 39.9% from the field, and 77.6% from the free throw line. He has career averages of 6.2 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game.
Suns Add Needed Backcourt Depth In Daniels
The Suns add Daniels to their young team at a reasonable price, as he has two years and $6.7 million left on his contract. Phoenix had very little depth in their backcourt behind starters Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker especially after point guard Brandon Knight tore his ACL, so Daniels should find his way into their rotation.
The Grizzlies needed to shed some guaranteed contracts as they still hope to re-sign restricted free agent JaMychal Green. With 15 guaranteed contracts on the roster now after the Daniels trade, they would still need to find a way to open up a roster spot via trade or a player being released in order to shore up a spot for Green.
Memphis will lack depth at shooting the guard to begin the year with Ben McLemore expected to be out to start the season with a foot injury. Tyreke Evans may be the favorite to be the starter at the position, with Wayne Selden backing him up.
Suns Sign Bennett to Non-Guaranteed Deal
In other Suns-related news, the team has agreed to a non-guaranteed contract with former first overall pick Anthony Bennett to join them in training camp.
Bennett was taken with the first overall selection by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013. Nobody was expecting him to be taken first, and he has yet to perform anywhere near what one would want out of a top selection.
In his rookie season in 2013-14, Bennett shot a putrid 35.6% from the field and averaged just 4.2 points per game.
In four seasons, he has played for four teams (Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Raptors, and Nets) and has found success at none of those stops. In 151 career games (4 starts), the 24-year-old has a career per game averages of just 4.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.5 assists.
