Suns Trade for Jason Richardson, Send Boris Diaw and Raja Bell to Charlotte

We have our second deal of the NBA day, and it's way more interesting than the first one. It's being reported that the Suns are sending Raja Bell, Boris Diaw, and Sean Singletary to Charlotte, in exchange for Jason Richardson, Jared Dudley, and a second round draft choice in the magical year of 2010.

Steve Kerr explained some of what he likes about J-Rich:

"He's athletic and gives us a really potent offensive player," Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said. "He's also an excellent defensive player and he's in his prime. He's a very high-character guy and well-regarded around the league for his professionalism."

Bell and Diaw both played big minutes in Terry Porter's rotation, but that shouldn't be an issue for Richardson, as he's been averaging over 35 minutes per game this season. Bell has been known as a solid perimeter defender and three-point shooter, but Richardson shoots a similar percentage from downtown, and defends well enough that there shouldn't be too big of a drop-off on that end of the floor.

Diaw has played well recently, and has been the one that subs in for Shaquille O'Neal, at least in the first quarter. Between Robin Lopez, Lou Amundson and the newly acquired Dudley, Porter will likely struggle to find someone capable of spelling Shaq.

I recently wondered if Kerr would be patient enough to see if this team would develop into a contender as they were currently constructed, and now we have the answer. The team looked good in their last two outings, which were wins over the Bucks and the Jazz. But trade talks like these probably began during the team's four-game losing streak sometime over the past week or two, and it likely took until today to get the details finalized.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-10-2008 @ 11:53PM

Michael-Panther Fan in AZ said...

I am a long time Suns fan but this is another last ditch effort for the Suns to salvage their season. First Shaq, now Richardson who's next the dynamic Luke Walton? The "Championship" window is closing on the Suns real quick lets see what this trade can do...

12-12-2008 @ 2:14PM

jitesh said...

This trade is a head scratcher why the heck would you trade a good solid defensive veteran like raja bell and and a good small forward in boris diaw for jason richardson? that trade makes zero sense heck if you want a scoring guard then heck should have traded for vince carter granted he plays forward but carter could work in the suns system but all being said bobcats co-owner and ex wizards great mj pulled off a tremendous deal go michael!!!

12-11-2008 @ 2:04AM

Philly Da Kid said...

J-Rich is on the wrong side of his peak but he ain't no-where near the end of his career and in my opinion is a true triple threat. he can pop the 3 semi - consistanly, he's got some post ability and lord knows the man can dunk. Now, having said that i'd like to see Phoenix get his ass to play some D! other than that im a Philly fan, lets go '76ERS!

12-11-2008 @ 2:52PM

Te$$ddy "Z" said...

Being a SUNS fan for over 30Yrs, I feel Kerr has a big head. Terry Porter was a great defender in portland. Him and Kerr both made there names for defence and 3-point shooting. Not all players can coach, or TEACH old dogs new tricks. Im not up for a full blown make over / rebuild, but for Kerr and Porter to build the "Bulls" of the new age.. thats what us FANS may have to endure for the next 5 yrs or so,...........good thing theres football, hockey and baseball......oh yea NASCAR too
.

12-11-2008 @ 12:36PM

Dave D. said...

Good move by Steve Kerr. He's staked his claim to a halfcourt offense, and Jason Richardson excels there and by converting steals into his own offense. Diaw, though his play has improved recently, didn't fit in with Terry Porter's style and Bell's constant complaining may have been a factor in the team's general confusion, especially his calls for speeding up the offense (outside of the jurisdiction of a team's fifth best player).

Now that they have Richardson, the Suns can concentrate on their preferred style and play that out. Perhaps with a creator like J-Rich on o, they will have time in practice to work on their team defense, the area where they've really been struggling. Though Bell is the more proven defender, it's working together that's been a problem for the Suns, especially with two notoriously weak defenders (Nash, Stoudemire) logging heavy minutes. With the major malcontents gone and a clearer vision for offense, this team can improve on that end and continue to compete for a West playoff spot and, if successful, a top 4 seed.

12-12-2008 @ 7:39AM

TED said...

GOOD MOVE FOR THE SUNS.... JR CAN SCORE AND WILL BE AN ASSET ON THE OFFENSE.... HE WONT PLAY MUCH D BUT YOU CANT HAVE EVERYTHING....SUNS WILL BE EXICTING TO WATCH AND MAY GET INTO THE SECOND ROUND THIS YEAR,,,

12-11-2008 @ 9:44PM

Mike said...

The Suns couldn't wait forever for Diaw to pull his head out. The guy has abundant talent but lacks the drive and consistancy to fulfill his potential. His departure also creates more minutes for the rookie Lopez who is raw but brings tremendous energy. Bell is a great lunchbucket guy who plays hard but was expendible in this situation. Richardson can score in a number of ways giving the Suns more versatility on offense. He will also take some of the pressure to score off Nash. Nash can shoot with anyone but is far more comfortable distributing than carrying the scoring load. Richardson's presence will also make the consequences of doubling Shaq and Amare more severe. Both are good passers and can find Richardson spotting up for three or cutting to the basket where his athleticism allows him to finish and draw fouls. The trade does not elevate the Suns into title contention by any stretch. They still have issues on defense and have yet to find a suitable backup for Nash. It was a good move none the less though and should produce good results for a team that is underachieving to this point.