The Phoenix Suns should not trade up for RJ Barrett
By Kyle Manthe
If the New York Knicks pass on RJ Barrett on draft night, the Phoenix Suns should avoid the chaos and not make a move up for him.
As of right now every option is still on the table for the Phoenix Suns when the NBA Draft begins.
They have yet to make any move to rid themselves of any of their available assets or contracts.
One major option remains, however: moving up in the draft, an option that was not considered due to the difficulty in getting into the top three to take one of the elite prospects.
However, after a report that the Knicks are having an almost literal last-minute workout with Darius Garland, the possibility opened up that they either might be open to trading the pick or would select Garland bypassing on Barrett.
After the workout Adrian Wojnrowski reported that the Knicks still plan to move forward and select RJ at 3rd which should put some at ease.
When it comes down to it though, there would have to be some reason why the Knicks brought in Garland less than 40 hours before the draft.
Plus, there is no way anything crazy could happen if two completely stable and savvy front offices like the Knicks and Suns started talking on draft night, right?
Phoenix Suns
While Barrett is one of the most talented players in the draft, his fit would make almost no sense on the Phoenix Suns’ roster.
The Suns already have a high usage scoring and passing wing in Devin Booker, and a left-handed tunnel vision scoring wing with Kelly Oubre – who should be returning.
RJ is also not good enough of a shooter or willing enough of a passer to effectively play any point forward now, or in the future.
A trade up from number six to number three would end up being way too rich for the Suns just to acquire a luxury like RJ Barrett, and not fill any of the biggest needs of the roster.
Unless the Knicks for some reason were willing to swap picks if the Suns just gave up Josh Jackson, or TJ Warren and change, then sure James Jones could think about it.
But that would never happen.
dark. Next. The Phoenix Suns should trade their second round pick for Frank Ntilikina
If craziness ensues tonight and the Knicks do what they have done best for 20 years and make bad moves and pull off something crazy, the Phoenix Suns need to make sure they do absolutely nothing to get involved. Barrett is a bad fit on the Suns’ roster and would come at a price that they can just not afford considering the totality of their needs.