Phoenix Suns: 3 Trades to Move Up in the 2021 NBA Draft

Phoenix Suns trade Pick No. 29, 2022 Second-Rounder, 2023 Second Rounder to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Pick No. 16

Close your eyes and say “future draft picks” three times over, and Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti will appear before you. Having fully embraced the rebuild after trading away both Paul George and Russell Westbrook two summers ago, the Thunder began acquiring draft picks like mad men, putting together quite the stash.

Over the next seven years, Oklahoma City owns a whopping 36 total draft picks, with an even split between first and second-rounders. But even with a stockpile that extensive, the Thunder still seem committed to expanding it, having traded Al Horford for Kemba Walker and two more picks just a few weeks ago.

If they want to, the Suns can play into this already established “supply and demand” system as well, dangling a few second-rounders over Oklahoma City’s front office executives. As a young team with a high ceiling, it remains highly unlikely that Phoenix’s second round picks will carry much value in the future, making them well worth the sacrifice.

Swapping their picks this year after that, this trade poises to place the Suns just outside the lottery, with players like Josh Giddey, Chris Duarte, and Jalen Johnson well within striking distance.