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The Phoenix Suns should trade for J.R Smith and it’s not why you think

By Khaleel Abdullah

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on March 13, 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 Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on March 13, 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 Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Phoenix Suns need to make a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. They need to acquire J.R. Smith, but it’s not why you think.

This summer, the Phoenix Suns need to explore all options. They only won 19 games this past season and they need to look at all possibilities to be able to improve immensely.

That could be through the draft which is more long term usually, or it could be through free agency and via trade. One thing that expands the available opportunities is by having cap room.

A trade that the team should definitely look at features acquiring J.R. Smith.

No, they don’t need another wing, especially one that will be 34 before the season starts. Add in the fact that he only played 11 games this past season and only shot 34.2 percent from the field for 6.7 points per game and the player should not be on their radar.

However, trades are made not just for a certain player but for their contract.

The Suns, including their cap holds and such, do not have much cap space entering this summer. That severely hinders their options via free agency and trade. Smith could help with that. A LOT.

He’s owed $15.6 million for the 2019-20 season. However, if he’s waived by June 30, only $3.87 million is guaranteed.

That means the Suns could trade for him and then waive him and save a truck load of cash.

One trade could look like this.

Another trade could look like this.

These are two possibilities for trades between the two teams.

The first features sending T.J. Warren to Cleveland and not just getting J.R. and saving $7.0 million but also getting the fifth pick in the draft in addition to the sixth pick they already hold.

The second features sending an expiring contract in Tyler Johnson to the Cavaliers and saving $15.4 million. They would give up the 32nd pick in the draft to give Cleveland another asset after the franchise gave up most of theirs during the LeBron James era.

Phoenix should call Cleveland and put both on the table and see which one makes them bite.

No top player is likely to go to the Cavaliers this summer so the cap space shouldn’t be an issue for them. They could get an early second round pick in this year’s draft if they took on the $15 million that they’d be saving the Suns who are trying to get much better this summer.

Or they could give up their fifth pick in this draft and spend $7 million but get a player that is already proven in this league.

Warren made 1.8 threes this season at a 42.8 percent clip and averaged 18 points per game. Between him and Collin Sexton, they could have a hot shooting duo that can score points in a hurry.

They could take a gamble with the fifth pick or get a player that’s only 25 and fits right in as one of the best players on their team.

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There are a few ways this could go but both of them would be wins for the Phoenix Suns. They would be wise to call the Cleveland Cavaliers and put both deals on the table.

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