Valley of the Suns
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6 events that would make this draft day the best ever

By Adam Maynes

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 19: NBA Draft prospect, Deandre Ayton takes a 'selfie' at the Empire State Building in New York, New York on June 19, 2018. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 19: NBA Draft prospect, Deandre Ayton takes a 'selfie' at the Empire State Building in New York, New York on June 19, 2018. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BROOKLYN, NY – OCTOBER 31: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 31, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – OCTOBER 31: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 31, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Trade for a star

Of course there is the problem that with so much presumed talent at the top of the draft, not only are most teams likely more eager to hold onto their pick than normal, but if they are openly willing to move out of their spot, then there will be a significant bidding war that can make such a move an expensive endeavor.

Therefore, if the Suns can’t find a way to get themselves into the top-7, they still might seek a trade for a young star who might be suddenly and unexpectedly made available during the draft.

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One should presume that the trade offer would be sudden and unexpected since odds are that the Suns will not make a trade for the newest star whose unhappiness in his current situation has apparently made him available, Kawhi Leonard. Also, there aren’t any other stars who are currently known to be available, so McDonough may not have an idea of who he could acquire until either Phoenix or the other team is literally on the clock – McDonough has said as much in the past.

If a team happens to offer a young star to Phoenix around the time they are about to make their 16th pick, and the trade offer blows McDonough away, he is likely apt to pull the trigger.

Let’s use D’Angelo Russell as an example. I do not believe that Brooklyn will call Phoenix for a trade centered around him, but for the sake of argument, let’s say they do. If Brooklyn does reach out to McDonough when Phoenix is on the clock at 16 (the Nets might be one of those teams who are desperate for picks and cap space and are willing to pair a potential expensive star to acquire those picks) and offers Russell and Jeremy Lin (Lin has two seasons remaining on his contract) for 16, 31, the Milwaukee Bucks’ future first round pick, and either Tyson Chandler or Jared Dudley, then the Suns have a star point guard to pair up with their star shooting guard (and best friend) Devin Booker, solidifying their back court for many years to come.

Add him to the selection of Ayton, and that trade would help make this the best draft day in franchise history.

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