Valley of the Suns
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Phoenix Suns could trade up for the 13th pick of the draft

By Lucas Johnson

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 28: Boban Marjanovic #51 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on March 28, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 28: Boban Marjanovic #51 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on March 28, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Phoenix Suns have a prime trade partner in the first round of the draft with the Los Angeles Clippers that would allow the team to move up in the draft.

The idea of moving from the 16th spot of the draft to the 13th pick may not seem like a big deal, however any chance of getting a better prospect should be evaluated. The Phoenix Suns need to significantly improve this offseason and getting the 13th pick of the draft will allow the Suns to evaluate lottery talent players. Getting the 13th pick will allow the Suns a much better chance to draft a player who was projected higher, but ended up dropping down on the draft board. There’s a hypothetical trade that would benefit both the Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers.

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In this hypothetical trade, acquiring the 13th pick will allow the Suns a chance to draft a player like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Knox or Miles Bridges for example. Drafting any of those players just mentioned should help the Suns solidify their rotation. Getting Boban Marjanovic would allow the Suns to get yet another veteran center on the roster. This could be good for the Suns if the club decides to select Deandre Ayton with the first overall pick. Ayton would have two veterans to learn from. Both Marjanovic’s and Suns center Tyson Chandler‘s contracts end after the 2018-19 season, which would allow the Suns to reload the position after that season is over. Even if the Suns don’t want Marjanovic, the team can waive him without any long term salary cap implications.

The Clippers are primed for a rebuild and trading back will help the team gain an extra draft pick and two young players. In the proposed trade, Los Angeles will still get a quality pick with the 16th pick and they could use the 59th pick in multiple different ways. This isn’t the first time I wrote that the Suns should have Davon Reed in a potential draft day trade. Despite the fact this is the second time I have included Reed in a potential trade, he’s still has a bright future and could end up being a quality wing with the Clippers. The Clippers could also waive Alan Williams’ unguaranteed contract if they don’t like where he is after a season where he spent most of his season rehabbing from injury. If the Clippers do like Williams and where his health is, then he could serve as a solid backup center for the club. The chance to get multiple young players without sacrificing a lot should interest the Clippers as they prepare for a rebuild.

Next: Narrative should not be the reason the Suns draft Ayton

The hypothetical trade proposed in this article will allow both squads the chance to place themselves in a place for long term success. The Phoenix Suns get to move up in the draft and the Clippers get multiple players and picks for just moving back a few spots. It’s a trade that would benefit both teams.

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