Honorable Mention(s)
The 26-year-old superstar just finished up his 7th NBA season, a year where he only played in 9 games. He has some serious issues with San Antonio and is trying to be traded. The problem with this 2x NBA Defensive Player of the Year is that he is only under contract for the next two seasons with the latter being a player option. The Suns cannot risk trading the top pick for a 1-year rental of Kawhi Leonard.
Donovan Mitchell – After being selected with the 13th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Donovan Mitchell has looked like a franchise building block and is a finalist for Rookie of the Year. Mitchell averaged 20.5 points per game with a spectacular 43.7% shooting percentage.
With three years left on his rookie deal, he clearly fits the Suns’ timeline. The problem? Mitchell really doesn’t fit with Booker unless you want one as your primary ball handler. Both are better served as off-ball players and I am not sure that his ceiling is as high as Ayton’s or even Luka Doncic’s is for that matter.
Stephen Curry – The Warriors aren’t trading him. Period.
Ben Simmons – See above on Curry.
James Harden – This season’s likely MVP will not be moved as the Rockets were only one win away from the NBA Finals.