5. LaMarcus Aldridge
The acquisition of LaMarcus Aldridge would be an entirely playoff-run kind of move. There is no future implications with him as he is only under contract through next season.
The beautiful part of this deal is the fact that the Suns could actually make it right away. They would not have to wait for the December or January 15th deadlines and should the Spurs agree, they could pull the trigger as early as possible to help the roster absorb the move and evolve throughout the remained of the season.
The Spurs only make this move if they feel they are already out of the playoffs in 2020, and while they are only two games back of the Suns at the moment for the eighth-seed, they have to see the writing on the wall.
They were seven game below-.500 just two nights ago, and even with Gregg Popovich do not have the overall talent to make a full reverse.
The deal guarantees that the Spurs miss the playoffs which gives them the best possible draft pick, while also clearing up a ton of cap space for deals this offseason.
Yes, it would be disappointing losing Aron Baynes, however Aldridge is a superior player. While a year older than the Aussie, he is a better scorer and rebounder, while also himself, as solid 3-point shooter.
Under contract for only one more season after this one, Phoenix will help to ride him to the playoffs twice, before opening up that cap space and pursuing his replacement in the summer of 2021.
New Starting Lineup:
PG – Ricky Rubio
SG – Devin Booker
SF – Kelly Oubre Jr.
PF – LaMarcus Aldridge
C – Deandre Ayton