Who the Phoenix Suns would actually trade the #1 pick for

PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 2: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes up for a dunk against the Phoenix Suns on March 2, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

Russell Westbrook

Last season’s MVP, Russell Westbrook just finished his second consecutive season averaging a triple-double. He is 29 and clearly in the prime of his career. The Thunder were a major disappointment though after trading for Carmelo Anthony and Paul George, finishing with only 48 wins and getting bounced in the first round by the Utah Jazz.

George was one of the triumvirate of stars last year who wanted out of his prior home (Indiana) and supposedly had his sights set on the Los Angeles Lakers. OKC would only move Westbrook if George has already let them know that he is gone or later in a couple weeks via free agency. They cannot win a ring with an aging Melo as their number two, although I am sure he would love more shot attempts with George gone.

Westbrook would slide in next to Booker and Jackson and form a very exciting perimeter in Phoenix. Like the Greek Freak, Westbrook would likely cost more than the number one overall pick, but with Phoenix’s future picks and assets like T.J. Warren and expiring contracts, they could find a way to make it work.

Westbrook is someone who plays with a chip on his shoulder and gives you his all every time that he is on the floor. Get a decent rebounder down low and the Suns would be able to play a very fast-paced brand of basketball.

Russ will push the ball at every chance and an offensive coach like Igor Kokoskov will encourage it. Imagine Westbrook driving coast-to-coast with Booker on one wing and Jackson running up the floor on the other side. Hard not to like the possibilities of the numbers that our back court could put up.