Top Phoenix Suns storylines to watch for this season

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PORTLAND, OR – OCTOBER 28: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns look on during the game on October 28, 2017 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Ryan McDonough cashing in on assets

Like most rebuilding teams, the Phoenix Suns have continued to stockpile assets consisting of multiple talented young prospects and draft picks.

However, if the team rebuilds successfully, one of two things will happen to this stockpile: they will either be cashed in for a higher value piece, or lose their potential value as a tradable asset.

Draft picks lose their value as soon as they are conveyed into an actual player as franchises tend to value the flexibility to choose whichever prospect they desire, or the ability to flip that pick to another team. Flexibility, potential, and free; it’s what makes draft picks the most valuable assets in the league.

The Suns have their own picks as well as next year’s Milwaukee pick, which in and of itself could be a valuable trade chip like the Heat’s 2021 pick was in the Mikal Bridges trade. They may not have room on their roster to add two or three more first rounders, so chances are a few of these picks may find themselves on different teams in the upcoming years.

These picks may be coupled with some young players to create an intriguing offer for a star or top young talent.

Right now, players like Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss, or T.J. Warren can be used to improve upon a trade offer as long as they improve their value throughout the course of the season.

Josh Jackson, who most fans want out of any trade discussions, is actually their main trade chip in acquiring big talent. Only Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton should be cemented as future franchise players for the Phoenix Suns, with Jackson looking to insert himself into that group this season.

As for the rest, there should be no hesitation for McDonough to include any of them in a trade to utilize their plethora of assets and keep Booker happy.

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