By Jonathan Lee
July 6, 2012
Suns Sign Dragic/Beasley, Raptors Acquire Kyle Lowry
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Phoenix Signs Michael Beasley and Goran Dragic
Phoenix has been left to retool in the aftermath of the surprising trade of Steve Nash to the Lakers. The Suns have started the process by signing the talented but enigmatic forward Michael Beasley, and reacquiring point guard Goran Dragic. Both moves do improve the outlook in the desert, but without Nash the team is no longer a real playoff contender.
Adding just Michael Beasley would not have been a good move for the Suns to start rebuilding. He is not an efficient offensive player, and has yet to truly find a position and productive role in the league. Dragic showed that he can be a productive starting guard with Houston, and will likely play ahead of recent draft pick Kendall Marshall at the point. His arrival makes the real difference for the Suns boosting the projected win total, overall winning percentage, and long shot playoff odds.
In a testament to the oddity of the organization and this entire NBA off-season, Phoenix had previously traded away Dragic AND a first-round pick for Aaron Brooks who lasted just half a season with the team. Dragic has handed a four-year deal worth $34 million.
Toronto Acquires Kyle Lowry from Houston for Draft Picks
Point guard Kyle Lowry was having a true breakout season for the Rockets before an injury cut short his season. It was the second consecutive solid season as a starter, and now he is headed north of the border to Toronto. The Raptors had gone full out to sign Steve Nash, but lost out to the Lakers.
The Raptors are still a franchise foundering without a sense of direction or real hope on the horizon. Lowry does give them a solid point guard, but they already have one in Jose Calderon. AccuScore simulations show that Lowry does represent a solid improvement (+1.5 wins) over the incumbent, but both seem likely to stay on the roster. It is unclear how playing time and roles would be divvied up between the two.
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