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.
This was how Twitter digested Allen's trade reaction
if he's unhappy I'm happy https://t.co/yoYYBJ2slI
— G 虎 (@GoatSlash) September 27, 2023
This the first thing I thought about 😂😂😂 https://t.co/WzKCjBpBcp
— Var🤩 (@VarDurant) September 27, 2023
https://t.co/ECkEvSS1p7 pic.twitter.com/DaxjRd2Ztq
— vee. 🧚♀️ (@chiiicxgo) September 27, 2023
Dirty player don’t care https://t.co/dVTkzSUOVz
— CAM REDDISH SZN🔜 (@camreddishfp) September 27, 2023
I can hate you again 🥰🥰🥰 https://t.co/iBHoc7t5NT
— Harv (@HarvotRyan) September 27, 2023
cackling https://t.co/AkyS7uShg7
— mr. roboto (@kevinterstellar) September 27, 2023
Entire world focused on Dame and Giannis while Grayson Allen going iso with the game on the line as KD/Booker/Beal stare in disbelief is right there.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) September 27, 2023
I have to watch Grayson Allen on my team pic.twitter.com/ZvK4YoaPCg
— sreekar (@sreekyshooter) September 27, 2023
"Phoenix just got rid of Chris Paul, maybe they'll be likable again!"
*adds Grayson Allen*
— Zona (@AZSportsZone) September 27, 2023
Worst part of this trade: I gotta cheer for Grayson Allen now
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) September 27, 2023