Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball: Blockbuster NBA Trade Involves Blue Devil Treasure

Duke basketball champ Grayson Allen is moving from one top contender to another.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball guard Grayson Allen (Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports)
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Grayson Allen, the hero off the bench for Duke basketball in the 2015 national championship game, has been a full-time starter with the Milwaukee Bucks for the past two seasons. But as part of Wednesday's three-team blockbuster NBA trade, the 27-year-old guard is heading to the Phoenix Suns, where he'll likely see a reserve role.

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Chances are he won't average over 25 minutes per game for what would be a fourth year in a row.

However, Allen's chances of adding an NBA championship to his bio didn't weaken, as he'll now be a teammate to Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal for a franchise that has averaged over 50 regular-season wins per year since 2020-21.

The trade involved a future draft pick, a pick swap, and eight players, highlighted by Damian Lillard's move from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Bucks.

Allen, who went No. 21 overall to the Utah Jazz at the 2018 NBA Draft following his unforgettable four-year Duke basketball campaign, boasts a career 39.5 shooting percentage from downtown as a volume 3-point weapon. He's averaged 9.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists between his five years in the league.

RELATED: List of Duke's All-Time First-Round NBA Draft Picks

Phoenix will be Grayson Allen's third team as a pro, following stints with the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, and Milwaukee Bucks.

He was the only NBA Blue Devil (24 active at the moment) on contract with the Bucks and is now the lone Duke basketball product on the Suns roster.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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