Let’s forego Tyler Johnson’s contract and see if we can make it work with a much more appealing player.
I’m going to assume the Timberwolves don’t want either Ricky Rubio or Dario Saric back, so take those two off the table.
That makes Kelly Oubre Jr. the only trade-worthy candidate who makes enough money for the transaction to be valid. Technically, he’s not eligible for trade until January 14, but that wouldn’t be a barrier.
It pains me to write that, especially after his magnificent game against the Portland Trail Blazers that involved him blowing kisses to everyone in the arena.
In my opinion, the Suns should do everything they can to keep Oubre, who has been the source of so much of the Suns’ recent culture change. However, we are talking about Karl-Anthony Towns here. Perhaps a generational superstar. To say Oubre is a non-starter in negotiations is sweet, but extremely short-sided.
I hope it doesn’t work out where Oubre is involved in any would-be trade, and he keeps doing push-ups mid game for the Suns for the foreseeable future, but if it means getting Towns, then James Jones would have to consider it.
Then again, if they didn’t want to consider Oubre, there are other options.