Suns nab McCarty from Celtics

The Suns also received an undisclosed amount of cash for McCarty, a ninth-year veteran who had been dissatisfied with his diminishing role in Boston’s offense. The 6-10, 230-pound McCarty was averaging 3.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 12.6 minutes over 44 games this season, nearly half of what he averaged last year.

McCarty, a 35 percent career shooter from three-point range, should help bolster a thin Phoenix bench. The Suns, who own the NBA’s second-best record at 38-11, added veteran reserve Jim Jackson in a trade with New Orleans last month.

"In Walter McCarty we are adding another versatile and experienced veteran player that has developed a reputation as a great teammate," said Suns president and general manager Bryan Colangelo. "Walter is long and active and should provide a real spark off the bench."

McCarty, who had been with the Celtics since 1997, averaged 7.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 77 games, including 23 starts, last season. The Kentucky product owns career averages of 5.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 529 contests.

A first-round selection by the New York Knicks in the 1996 draft, McCarty spent his rookie season with New York before being dealt to Boston the following year.

To replace McCarty on the Celtics roster, Boston activated forward Justin Reed from the injured list. The rookie has appeared in just eight games this season due to a knee problem.