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Phoenix Suns: Top 5 Potential Trade Targets

By Gerald Bourguet

Jan 7, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Phoenix Suns power forward Markieff Morris (right) is defended by Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson (22) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Phoenix Suns power forward Markieff Morris (right) is defended by Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson (22) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns trade Gerald Green (and a draft pick) to the Sacramento Kings for Ben McLemore via ESPN Trade Machine /

3. Ben McLemore

Suns trade: Gerald Green and a draft pick
Kings trade: Ben McLemore

You don’t even have to say it, Sacramento Kings fans; I know this trade is completely and utterly one-sided. But your ownership just fired a coach who helped mentor your team to a winning record (when DeMarcus Cousins was healthy), and given this front office’s penchant for making bat-s**t crazy personnel moves, don’t you think this is at least a little bit plausible?

We heard the rumors about Ben McLemore being included in deals back when the Kings were trying to trade for Josh Smith and Rajon Rondo, so he’s not off limits by any means, especially after Sacramento drafted yet another shooting guard — Nik Stauskas — this past summer.

Phoenix Suns
Dec 26, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas (3) attempts a shot over Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-106. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

McLemore is definitely a better player than Stauskas right now, and he also projects to be a better player than Stauskas once they’re both fully developed. The Kings also no longer have any playoff aspirations this year, so sacrificing the future for the present, even if Green is an upgrade, makes no sense for a lottery team.

However, never underestimate the Sacramento Kings when it comes to torturing their fan base. If the Suns threw in a draft pick, this deal suddenly doesn’t sound so out of the realm of possibility. McLemore is an intriguing, young prospect who would take some time to develop, but he’d probably fit right in in Phoenix because he has the potential to be an excellent shooter one day.

This deal certainly doesn’t help the Suns’ backcourt logjam, however, nor does it improve their playoff odds this season.

Next: No. 2

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