Honorable Mention: Indiana Pacers
The Trade:
Yes, this is indeed a lopsided trade. The Pacers would be getting the upgrade they need at the point guard position (no offense, George Hill) AND an enigmatic bench scorer in Gerald Green who could provide a much-needed offensive boost to help Indiana’s run for the postseason. The Suns would only be receiving an aging veteran who earns $12 million this year and another $12.6 million next season.
But just because David West isn’t a long-term fit doesn’t mean he serves no purpose, especially for a team like the Suns that is intent on making the playoffs. West would definitely help in that regard, he’d help on the boards and he’d bring some toughness and defense to a young group that desperately needs leadership in those areas.
West’s purpose extends beyond the final year and a half of his contract, however. Remember, these hypothetical trades are all about cashing in on whatever value the Suns can get for Isaiah Thomas in order to salvage any possibility the Suns have of re-signing Goran Dragic this summer.
West isn’t exactly the jackpot, but a deal like this would clear the backcourt logjam and find a suitor for Green, who is unlikely to stick with the Suns past this summer anyway.
If West helps the Suns make the playoffs — thereby increasing the likelihood Dragic stays — then even better. If you want to nitpick West’s inflated deal, a trade of Thomas for something like Chris Copeland and C.J. Miles works financially as well.
However, there has been no indication the Pacers or West want to part ways, and there’s also been zero mention of Indiana’s potential interest in IT compared to Dragic.
Next: A Three-Team Effort