How the Suns could trade for every pick 2018 Edition
By Tim Holstad
![CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Deandre Ayton poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Deandre Ayton poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/65aae19de90dbada91f30bd143fdfa86ad5cb2c1d9585278e49b5f78a7ee1a63.jpg)
19th Pick
This trade is not quite a blockbuster, but it’s a solid step towards the Suns being a playoff team again. The main piece that Phoenix gives up is obviously T.J. Warren, but the haul they receive in return is well-worth it.
Phoenix gets back the 19th pick, which they can pair with the 16th pick pick and other assets to move up higher in the draft if they want. Besides that, they get two borderline starter/above-average rotation players to add to their team. Taurean Prince showed the ability to be effective on both sides of the ball last season. His scoring output is most likely due to the lack of overall talent in Atlanta, but he still proved that he has the capability of putting the ball in the basket when he needs to. With both him and Bazemore, the Suns get two defensive dogs that can check the opponents’ best wings.
Bazemore fits the prototypical 3 and D player, though for a bit more money than would be preferable admittedly. However, he is the kind of player every winning team needs, and he will bring toughness and an attitude with him to this young and hungry team.
For Atlanta, they get an offensive core piece to add to whoever they take at 3. Warren is still young, under team control for several years, and cheap. Warren immediately becomes their top offensive weapon until their pick proves otherwise. He’s the same age as Taurean Prince is, and he gets the chance to excel as one of the main options in Atlanta. He will get more minutes, more looks, and more responsibility. Atlanta also gets an expiring deal in Jared Dudley, plus the 31st and 59th pick, which they could pair with their 30th pick to move a little higher and grab another young player in the back end of the first round. The team gets much needed cap flexibility moving forward, and still land a young core player to add to their rebuilding roster.
Small Forward. Kentucky. Kevin Knox. 19. player. 66.