How the Suns can pull off a trade for a star

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 13: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans watches from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 13: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans watches from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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The Phoenix Suns are in a position where if they keep winning they will play themselves out of the top-5 spots in the 2018 NBA draft.

If this happens, the odds of drafting a star in the mid-to-late lottery drops. Although not impossible (see Devin Booker and T.J. Warren’s draft positions), the chances of missing out on all the stars of the draft are undoubtedly higher.

That’s not to say though that a mid-to-late lottery pick doesn’t have value for either the Suns or other teams around the league. Even if the Suns are drafting as low as 15th, many teams will look for the opportunity to have the ability to draft talent at that position, potentially filling their roster with a very affordable role player for at least the next four seasons.

If at some point this season (or even up to draft day) the Suns decide that the likelihood of drafting a star to place next to Devin Booker is so remote that they would like to add an active player to the roster, there are plenty of options around the league for them to take a swing at.

This is a discussion of every potential active star player in the league that the Suns can attempt to trade for, with my prediction of what the cost might be. My prediction of who/what the Suns might need to trade to acquire the star is often intentionally vague as it truly is impossible to guess exactly what one team might accept for their star. Some of my guesses might be way too high, others might be way too low. However I believe that they are all in the ballpark and a good representation of what a trade might look like.