Valley of the Suns
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How the Suns can land LeBron James next summer

By Taylor Stevens

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 19: LeBron James
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 19: LeBron James /
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Step 3 – The Offseason

LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 13: Earl Watson of the Phoenix Suns attends the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League game against the Memphis Grizzlies on July 13, 2017 at the Cox Pavillion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 13: Earl Watson of the Phoenix Suns attends the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League game against the Memphis Grizzlies on July 13, 2017 at the Cox Pavillion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

If the Suns can accomplish the objectives in Steps 1 and 2, then Step 3 should be achievable.  LeBron is still the best player in basketball, but at 32 it’s unclear how much longer that will continue. He knows he doesn’t have much time to spare, so he will want to compete immediately.

First, the Suns would use their top pick (hopefully Top-five) to draft a player of need that can play a role immediately. A rim protector like DeAndre Ayton, Mohamed Bamba, or Marvin Bagley (if he is able to enroll in college early) would be perfect additions.

Next season also has some great free agents coming onto the market. With James’ help, the Suns could land just about any of them. Some potentials options are: Brook Lopez, DeMarcus Cousins, Derrick Favors, Trevor Ariza, Avery Bradley, DeAndre Jordan, and Danny Green. As a further stretch we’ll throw in Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Paul George.

Out of all those names, the should be able to land at least one, maybe another verteran that will sign at a discount because of a desire to get a ring and play with James. Because the Suns have so many young players on cheap contracts, they should be able to afford two high-profile players.

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