Trade
The Suns could decide that they want to make a trade on draft day. If they’ve fallen in love with Kansas star Josh Jackson (or another prospect), they might need to trade up in the draft to get him. If they’re worried that the Lakers like Jackson, they might have to trade up to the top pick. That would cost a lot, including multiple first round picks and players. Boston will be asking the farm for the first pick, so it’s not very logical.
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The Suns could trade with the Lakers to take Jackson, but they’d likely have to give up two first round picks or their fourth pick and a great player. Eric Bledsoe and the fourth pick might get the deal done if the Lakers are interested in Bledsoe, but that’s not a given. The Lakers also have a lot of youth on their team, so Bledsoe might be past his prime when they’re ready to compete for a playoff spot.
In all likelihood, the Lakers would want the fourth pick and Devin Booker for the second pick. The Suns would be idiotic to make that trade.
The most logical trade would be with the 76ers for the third pick. If Fultz and Ball are the top two picks, the 76ers might be willing to trade down. The Suns should offer the 76ers the fourth pick and Brandon Knight for the third pick. Knight has struggled with the Suns, but he’s young, skilled, relatively cheap, and a much better fit for Philadelphia’s roster.
The 76ers would likely ask for more. If the 76ers are reasonable and willing to deal, it’s something that the Suns should consider.
One move that would make Suns fans happy would be trading with the Sacramento Kings. There’s been rumors that the Kings are willing to trade both of their lottery picks – the 5th and 10th picks – to secure Kentucky point guard De’Aaron Fox. If the Suns are able to convince the Kings that they’re putting the pick up for auction to the highest bidder or will take Fox themselves, they might be able to snag both first round picks from Sacramento.
Calling Vlade Divac the worst general manager in the NBA would be an understatement, so it’s something that he might be stupid enough to do.
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The Suns might have to give something else with the fourth pick, but there’s a good chance they’ll be able to swindle the Kings in a potential trade. Fox is a good player and could fit in Phoenix, but there are better players that would fit much better with the Suns’ current roster. If Phoenix has a player they really like, they should do what they can to get their guy, even if it involves making a trade.