Valley of the Suns
Fansided

How the Suns can pull off a trade for a star

By Adam Maynes

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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New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are in Purgatory. Even with the twin towers of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, they are a .500 team, destined for either a very low lottery pick or a first round sweep.

Outside of those two, the Pelicans’ roster is a complete and utter mess. They have little talent, no cap space, and let’s be honest: as fun as New Orleans is for a weekend trip, it’s not a destination city for free agents, so there is no reason to believe that if they cleared out a ton of cap space there is anyone out there that they would be able to acquire.

That’s why I think the Suns should trade for Cheick Diallo. A second year power forward, he’s having a down season, averaging 2.6 points and 2.2 rebounds, but has the skill-set and mental capacity to be a superstar in this league.

*sike*

The only player on this roster that the Suns should seek out, that truly could help New Orleans rebuild by trading, and that would be the kind of star that when paired up with Devin Booker  would make the team a legit playoff contender in the Western Conference, is Anthony Davis (duh).

This. Would. Cost. A Lot.

But not too much.

Much like the opportunity to acquire James Harden years ago and Kristaps Porzingis over the summer, if there is any chance in the universe that Davis is available, the Suns should throw the bank at the Pelicans to acquire him.

Obviously, to acquire a young superstar in the early part of his prime, there is going to be a significant cost attached. And knowing that the Boston Celtics have some incredible assets to place in a package for him as well means that the bidding war is going to be insane.

My gut is that a package would have to include three players and three picks. Not because that’s the initial cost, but because that’s where the bidding will reach.

I would venture to guess that the players would be Chriss or Bender, Jackson, and either Daniels or a point guard. Would they prefer Ulis? Or would they take Canaan? Either way, one of them is gone. The picks then would be this year’s first, this year’s Miami pick, and one of the two 2020 firsts. I also wouldn’t be shocked if the Pelicans’ preference was T.J. Warren over Jackson.

If the Suns believe that a pairing up of Booker and Davis could make them a step closer to championship status, this will cost a lot. But to have two stars with the ability to add a third young one in free agency over the next two offseasons, they would be at or near the top of the West for a long time to come.

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