Heading into the 2018 NBA Draft, there are rumors the Phoenix Suns want another top five pick. Should they be willing to move one of their best assets?
There’s been lots of hype about a potential move up to the fourth pick for the suns to nab Luka Doncic. In theory, it involves the some combination of the Suns’ expendable assets, namely the 16th overall pick, the future Bucks’ pick, T.J. Warren, Marquese Chriss, and Dragan Bender.
If the Grizzlies don’t have interest in a package of these assets, there’s also been rumors floated of teams taking on Chandler Parsons and his hefty contract in exchange for the pick. Even this, given the Suns plentiful cap space, seems like it would be a favorable deal.
But what if that isn’t what Memphis wants to do? It seems more likely they would make an offer that looks like this one: the Grizzlies give up the fourth pick, and the Suns give up Josh Jackson and the 16th pick.
In almost all trade scenarios, Jackson should be considered untouchable. But what about in a deal for the consensus top guard/wing prospect in the draft?
While Jackson is a better athlete and projects as a superior defender, Doncic is an all-around better offensive player. Adding him to the Phoenix Suns would certainly fill the team’s vacancy at main ball handler and distributer, and he’s a much better shooter and slasher than Jackson has shown.
Of course, putting Doncic side by side with Booker would raise all kinds of red flags on defense. While either could find success with hard work and the right coach, neither has shown any defensive promise to date.
It’s obviously too early to give up on Josh Jackson, even though his rookie campaign was a bit of a disappointment. But an opportunity to trade him for another top prospect who they may prefer wouldn’t be giving up; it would be cashing in.
Next: T.J. Warren might actually make Josh Jackson expendable
There’s good reason for the Phoenix Suns to like Doncic more than Jackson, and the 16th pick isn’t a steep price to pay. If Doncic falls to four, and they can’t make a deal that doesn’t involve Jackson, they should open up to the possibility of trading him.
Would you deal for Doncic if it means giving up Jackson? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section or on Twitter @ValleyoftheSuns!