Tank
Most fans don’t want the Phoenix Suns to tank again, which is understandable given the last few seasons. But tanking might be the best way to get one more top young piece next to Ayton and Booker. And the next draft class is really exciting.
Zion Williamson is a freak of nature. Bol Bol is a 7-3 son of a pro with the skills of a guard. R.J. Barrett, Cameron Reddish, and Nassir Little are all uber-talented wings to keep and eye on. It’s quite possible Ryan McDonough takes a look at these guys and wants in on the group. And with so many good players, the Suns wouldn’t need to be nearly as bad as last year.
Tanking wouldn’t be too hard for the Suns since they’re not in position to win many games as the roster stands now. If this is the direction they choose to take, the path forward would be pretty obvious.
They’d roll with the point guards they already have, avoiding bringing in outside help. They’d look to move Trevor Ariza at the deadline for a pick. They’d trade T.J. Warren even earlier. If Josh Jackson starts off slow again, the Suns could move him for a pick too. They’d hold onto the Bucks pick. They’d fill open rotation spots with 10 day contracts and G-Leaguers instead of through trades.
This would undoubtedly be hard to watch, but it would be the last year a tank is on the table. Adding one more top rookie and a few mid first rounders would make for a stronger and deeper core, and the Suns future would be as bright as ever. They’d also have the cap space to sign a free agent and the assets to trade for a star in the summer of 2020.
Some people say the Phoenix Suns should win now and do everything possible to get Booker experience winning games consistently and making the playoffs. But the front office might not be in that much of a hurry. Booker won’t turn 22 until the end of October, and Ayton’s even younger.
Making the playoffs at 23 or 24 is still really young, and a tank this year would mean the Suns could go into the next few seasons with three young superstars and a young surrounding cast. Taking a team like that to the playoffs isn’t a development killer. In fact, Booker being the leader of a playoff team is arguably more valuable for him than learning by following a guy like Lillard.
As nice as the results may sound, a tank is still unlikely. Another year in the cellar wouldn’t sit well with fans, and Booker has repeatedly said he wants to win. Which leads into the third possible path.