Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Five lingering Suns questions that need answers post trade deadline

By Dallin Funk

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Interim head coach Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns looks on from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 6, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nets defeated the Suns 98-92. 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 - NOVEMBER 06: Interim head coach Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns looks on from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 6, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nets defeated the Suns 98-92. 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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Is it time to go after a star?

DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 12: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons looks for a rebound next to Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on February 12, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 12: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons looks for a rebound next to Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on February 12, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Over the past few seasons, the Phoenix Suns have been acquiring assets and staying patient as they wait for an NBA star to become available. They had a chance to trade for now Boston star Point Guard, Kyrie Irving, but ultimately didn’t pull the trigger.

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns /

Phoenix Suns

This year, they have a chance to have three first-round picks in a draft that is overflowing with talent. DeAndre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley, Mo Bamba, Trae Young, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Micheal Porter Jr. are all players many scouts are pegging as potential franchise changers. Each one of these players would be a welcome addition to a team that is in desperate need of star talent to go alongside Devin Booker. However, with so much talent in the 2018 NBA draft, you could argue that first-round picks have never been more valuable. Is it time for the Suns to cash in their assets and go after an established star in the NBA?

Knowing which NBA stars will become disgruntled and demand a trade from their organization is hard to predict, but it does happen just about every year. Paul George, Kyrie Irving, Demarcus Cousins, and Jimmy Butler were all dealt in the last year and the Suns could put together a package of players and picks that would be difficult for any team to pass up.

I admit that giving up a pick that could land a potential superstar in the draft would be difficult. Still, the word potential gives me pause. We in Phoenix should know as well as anyone that not every top-10 pick is guaranteed to be a difference maker. And, if they are destined to become a superstar, how long will it take them to reach their potential?

Young teams in the NBA lose and lose often. If the Suns continue to lose for the next few years, how much longer can we expect Devin Booker to stay patient? Will he too demand a trade from the organization like so many others?

I still think that the Suns should take the best player available in the draft. I truly believe that a handful of the players could be a part of a future contender in the valley. However, if a top-5 pick, even in this draft, is the difference in landing Anthony Davis, I say trade the pick. If Ryan McDonough wants to accelerate the timeline, there might not be a better offseason to do it.

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