Phoenix Suns
Let’s say that getting Fred VanVleet is unrealistic since already a bit of a stretch right now (pun intended since Ricky Rubio might need to be stretched for the money to work).
The theory of FVV is a guard who would play next to Devin Booker either on or off the ball, can stretch the floor on offense, and take the harder matchup on defense. Where have we heard that before?
Jrue does all that but with the added negatives that Phoenix would have to give up assets in a trade, add an older player and resign him his worth at the end of the season or risk it all being for nothing. Additionally, most of these teams have already made the playoffs and are looking to push themselves over the top; the Suns, despite going 8-0 in the bubble, don’t have that luxury.
Yikes.
Well, it works for New Orleans, I guess. Mikal Bridges shined in the bubble (and season really) and would be an ideal, low-usage defender next to or in between Zion and Ingram.
I did theorize a four-team trade that saw Kelly Oubre Jr. head to the Warriors, Jrue to the Suns, Rubio to the Hawks, and the second overall pick to New Orleans but before I got too deep into the finer details, I quickly closed the tradenba.com tab and walked far away from my computer.
Phoenix fans, best of luck trying to get FVV.