What if: the Phoenix Suns win the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery

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AUBURN HILLS, MI – JUNE 30: Chris Webber, number one overall pick by the Golden State Warriors, shakes hands with Penny Hardaway, number three overall pick by the Orlando Magic, during the NBA Draft at The Palace of Auburn Hills on June 30, 1993 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 1993 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

How the Phoenix Suns could trade the First Overall pick

Everyone wants Zion but not everyone needs Ja Morant. The Phoenix Suns do. So if they land the first overall pick and the team that is second has no need for Ja, they might be willing to move mountains to make it happen, just like the Magic and Warriors:

To acquire who they wanted all along in Penny Hardaway, the Orlando Magic were able to further acquire three first round picks – one of which eventually became Vince Carter, which in 1998 would have helped save that franchise had they not previously moved it to Toronto.

While I don’t really see a chance that the Suns would move back to third overall (unless Phoenix believes that R.J. Barrett is a superstar in the making himself), however, if a team with an established, young, point guard finds their way to second overall, Phoenix might pull a little 1993 Magic out of their own top hat.

Could they also potentially flip that pick for a package of young talent already in the league? Let’s say that the Philadelphia 76ers offered a package surrounding Ben Simmons (not that they would, but just saying), might Phoenix be tempted and believe that they could fix Simmons’ shot making him a true offensive threat, accepting the young point guard and Philly’s 24th overall pick?

All of that is highly unlikely – as Zion is projected to be that good – but a possibility nevertheless.

Must Read. Being Second Overall is as good as Number One for the Phoenix Suns. light

No other position in the draft would give the Phoenix Suns the kind of options for talent than first overall. Not only do they have a shot at a potential franchise-changing power forward, but also probably multiple trade opportunities for future first round picks or packages of current players that would make them better immediately.

While I would expect Phoenix to select Zion without hesitation, one never knows if a team is desperate enough to offer a Godfather-type package, and if it is just too much for the Suns to pass up.

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