He’ll be a footnote in the grand scheme of things, but Grayson Allen was indeed a part of the blockbuster Damian Lillard trade to the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday. Once considered a key — if frustrating — role player for Milwaukee, he will be a (hopeful) key member of the Phoenix Suns’ new lineup.
As a basketball player purely, the Suns should appreciate having Allen — a guy who’s averaged 9.7 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting nearly 40 percent from the three-point line in his career. As a player with a history of dirty plays — even dating back to his days with Duke — the Suns may have just turned themselves into the NBA’s de facto villains.
And when Allen tweeted out a one-word reaction to his being traded, seemingly everyone wanted to pile on. Why? Because he has a reputation.
— Grayson Allen (@GraysonJAllen) September 27, 2023
I’m sure Allen will prove to be useful for a Suns team that needs depth behind Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. At the same time, I’m pretty confident basketball fans will find it very easy to hate the Suns now.
Allen’s addition makes that a virtual guarantee.