I know some people may have different opinions on the Shaq trade and Porter hiring but if you look at this trade, even if you're not a fan of Steve Kerr you have to give him credit for pulling it off.
Boris Diaw's 9M contract was one of the worse and most difficult contracts in the league to trade, he may have been a decent player but he was worth no where near 9M, not to mention it also runs a year longer than J-Rich's contract and Diaw puts up way less production.
Raja Bell had some great years with the Suns and will always be remembered taking that 3 point shot against the Clippers in the playoffs. He was getting up in age and losing his standing as one of the best defensive players, also chances are he wouldn't have resigned with the Suns in 2010 considering he disliked the new system but Bell was professional about it when he got traded and wished the Suns the best of luck.
Sean Singletary showed some flashes that he could be good in this league, we didn't see much of him but if he can find a rhythm with the Bobcats he can be in the league for a long time.
As for what the Suns got back, Jason Richardson, one of the most athletic players in the league and a proven 20 point scorer. If he can step up his play and flourish with the Suns he can become an all-star. He's been underated ever since he came into the league and even if he does average he would still be averaging more points than what Diaw and Bell did combine. I also know some people say he's not a good defender but his defense is also very underated and I have a feeling he can become a solid defender under Porter. If Richardson can do that I hope we can see him at the 2009 NBA All Star game or games in the future.
Also Jared Dudley, he was a #20 something pick during the 2007 NBA draft and a very underated player. He can basically if given the minutes put up the same production as Diaw expect he's payed about 8M less and is under a rookie contract. Not to mention the guy is a very underated defender and can guard multiple positions, he can have a bright future with the Suns.
Not to mention the Suns got a 2010 second round pick which would probally be between #30-40 and you can find some surprising players during that frame and getting a early second round pick which is not guranteed a contract can land the Suns a diamond in the rough.
All in all, even if you were upset about Kerr for past moves I think all or most Suns fans can come together and agree this was a great trade.
Thank you Steve
