The Suns Reportedly Tried To Get Terry Rozier From The Celtics


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The Phoenix Suns finally somewhat addressed their biggest roster need on Monday when they signed veteran guard Jamal Crawford to a minimum deal.

The Suns, after dealing the oft-injured Brandon Knight to Houston this offseason, were without an NBA-caliber point guard to pair with Devin Booker in the backcourt. There have been reports that the Suns have shown interest in trading for a point guard, with the Clippers’ Patrick Beverley being at the top of their list, but to this point have not had any traction on a deal.

Signing Crawford gives them some much needed guard depth, but doesn’t really address their need for a point guard as he’s primarily a scoring guard at the two, who is an elite ball-handler but has never been known as a facilitator. That means there’s still a need there and rumors will persist into the season that Phoenix is in the market to land an upgrade at that position.

John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 noted after the Crawford signing that both current interim GM James Jones and recently fired GM Ryan McDonough made attempts to trade for Celtics backup Terry Rozier, but failed to get much in the way of traction on those discussions.

Rozier is a name that will undoubtedly pop up in trade rumors this season, as few expect him to be in Boston’s long-term plans. He will be seeking a big-time contract this summer and, most likely, a starting role in free agency. It’s not a surprise, however, that the Celtics would not be willing to part ways with Rozier yet, given how he played for them last year in Kyrie Irving’s absence.

There will be plenty of chatter about whether the Celtics should deal Rozier before the deadline so he doesn’t just walk for nothing, but having him as an insurance policy for Irving for a postseason run (and to give them a talented point guard to lead the bench unit when Irving sits) may be worth more than acquiring draft assets or young players for him. Boston is supposed to make the NBA Finals this season, and even in a reserve role, Rozier may be a big part of them getting there.

We don’t know what the Celtics were asking for or what the Suns were offering, but one would assume Boston will keep a high price tag on Rozier through the trade deadline because of what he can provide them for their postseason run. The Suns apparently weren’t able to or willing to meet that price and now will continue their quest to find someone that can initiate the offense.

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