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Does the Dwight Howard trade signify a chance for the Suns to move up?

By Dan Volpone

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns at the Time Warner Cable Arena on December 17, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns at the Time Warner Cable Arena on December 17, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Hornets seem to be tearing it down after shipping Dwight Howard to Brooklyn. Should the Phoenix Suns have any interest in their other players?

On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Charlotte Hornets are moving on from three-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard.

Despite averaging a double-double last season, it’s been reported that Howard was not popular amongst his teammates, and the move seems to have more to do with each team’s salary cap situation than with performance on the basketball court.

That being said, if Charlotte is looking to tear it down, the Suns have a decent asset in the 16th pick that could draw interest.

One player that could be on the move is Kemba Walker. He’s 28, an All-Star, and on the final year on a very manageable $12 million contract. He’d be a fun to watch next to Devin Booker, and together they’d be a nightmare for defenses.

Unfortunately, he’s too old to meet the Suns’ timeline, and he’s set to receive  an enormous payday next summer. The Suns shouldn’t be interested in giving up a first round pick for a short-term solution.

A more realistic option could be taking on a contract to move up to the Hornets 11th pick. The options at 11 are much more enticing than those at 16. At 11, the leftovers of Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Kevin Knox will fall right into the Suns’ hands. And if they’re lucky, they could even nab the likes of Michael Porter Jr. or Trae Young.

If the Suns like who’s left on the board after the top ten, they could take a chance at moving up. In exchange for moving up, they could take on the salary of Marvin Williams, a 33 year old owed around $15 million each of the next two seasons.

It wouldn’t be as valuable of a pick exchange as taking on Parson’s from Memphis in return for the fourth pick. But Williams’ contract isn’t as bad, and the move up from 16 to 11 could be worth it based on the players available.

Next: How the Suns could trade for every pick 2018 Edition

The Dwight Howard trade seems to signify the Hornets are ready to go into rebuilding mode and move big contracts. Moving back in the middle of the first round wouldn’t be a huge hit to the Hornets future, but the move up could assure the Phoenix Suns get a good player with their second first rounder. It’s something to keep an eye on Thursday night.

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