By Gurjit Kaur
Medill Reports
LOS ANGELES – Every year, the NBA trade deadline is anticipated by excited fans hoping their team will find a player or two to help improve the team’s chances of winning. Phoenix Suns guard Jevon Carter, however, admitted it was difficult being the subject of trade rumors.
Carter, 24, who played for the Memphis Grizzlies his rookie season, was traded to the Suns before the season began and once again has found his name in trade talks. Last week, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Suns were thinking of trading Carter, Elie Okobo and a first-round pick to the Detroit Pistons for Luke Kennard.
“It’s definitely a lot. You don’t want to get traded,” Carter said. “The hardest part is you never really know. You hear a lot of stuff. You hear your name in trade talks. But you never really know what’s true or not, what’s going on, what’s really being said.”
Despite the emotional toll, Carter, in his second season in the NBA, spoke like a true veteran, saying it’s all about perspective.
“Everything isn’t about basketball at the end of the day, it’s just a game,” Carter said. “So I just try to live life, not think about it as much.”
He said he stays positive by engaging in activities he enjoys outside of basketball.
“I listen to music, watch movies,” Carter said, “I’m into the Marvel stuff, the superhero stuff.”
Spiderman is his favorite Marvel superhero.
“He’s always been one of my favorites since I was a kid. I think he was the first Marvel movie I saw,” Carter said.
On the job, Carter said he found the transition to Phoenix to be easier than he thought and has enjoyed his time with the team.
“Honestly I didn’t even know what to expect coming here being traded to a new team, but these guys, we are young, so they all kind of took me in right away.” Carter said. “It was like a perfect fit.”
Carter has played well in the limited minutes he has received this year. Against the Milwaukee Bucks on Feb. 2, he posted a season-high 15 points and a career-high three steals.
During Monday night’s 125-100 loss to the Lakers, Carter showed why he was worth keeping around in his second game since the trade deadline passed. His offensive improvements were on display as he shot 3-of-5 from behind the three-point line, including a rainbow three to end the third quarter. The former West Virginia Mountaineer was one of the few Suns players to keep the game competitive.
Carter’s fine play continued in the Suns final game before the All-Star break. Carter shot 2-for-2 from three and made key hustle plays off the bench to help lead the Suns to a 112-106 victory against the Warriors.
His play has reflected his mindset.
“Whatever happens.” Carter said. “You just carry on. Keep it professional.”
