Phoenix Suns: 3 Trade Options Still Involving Jalen Smith

Phoenix Suns Potential Trade: Jalen Smith to Oklahoma City Thunder for 2022 2nd Round Pick and 2023 2nd Round Pick

No team looks more committed to a rebuild right now than the Oklahoma City Thunder, making them ideal candidates to land the 21-year old Smith.

The Thunder currently have to potential to end up with a ludicrous 30 future draft picks over the next five years. The NBA permits its teams to house only 15 players, making it clear that sooner rather than later, the Thunder will need to trade some picks, rather than exchanging them for franchise players.

That’s where Suns come in.

By trading Smith, the Suns earn some decent draft capital, while the Thunder liquidate their assets more properly. They also walk away with a prospect to go with their rebuilding strategy.

A new team might also help Smith at least develop into a rotation-level player. OKC’s roster only includes two centers: Derrick Favors and Mike Muscala. Both those players lack a real grip on the center spot like Ayton does with the Suns, making Oklahoma City a far more likely town for Smith to find playing time.

Everybody wins with this trade, which makes it rare—and certainly worth pursuing.