5 “trading back” scenarios for the Suns on Draft Night
The Phoenix Suns have plenty of directions they can take on Wednesday night.
Phoenix can keep their pick. They can trade it for a proven player. The classic “trade back” and stack assets route is an option. Even the “trade-up” for a higher pick can’t be ruled out, though it’s not what I would recommend or expect.
The bottom line is the Suns need to get better and stack assets. If they’re lucky, they might be able to accomplish both of those things in one move.
Here are the five teams that make the most sense on the surface.
#1) The New York Knicks
Picks: 24, 25, 38
If the Knicks really like someone who falls to 22... this could be a fit. They may not want to wait around until the 24th slot for that player. Could Phoenix swoop in and take the 25th & 38th picks? The Knicks are a pretty deep team, so it’s tough to see them keeping all three of their selections.
Between this and the Mitch Rob stuff, there could be something here. Keep an eye out for the Knicks and Suns as potential trade partners on draft night.
5 “trading back” scenarios for the Suns on Draft Night
#2) The Utah Jazz
Picks: 10, 29, 32
While Utah may be more willing to go younger and add three rookies unlike New York, there is still a fit here.
Did anyone order the 29th and 32nd picks for number 22? Barring someone unexpectedly dropping, I think that’s something the Suns should consider. They need assets.
The Walker Kessler rumblings have surfaced, and we all know how much Danny Ainge loves his picks. 2031, anyone? I’m watching these teams closely on multiple fronts.
#3) The Minnesota Timberwolves
Picks: 27, 37
The last time these teams made a draft day deal where Phoenix traded down, it worked out pretty well. While making a deal with the team that just swept you might be a bit awkward, it makes perfect sense for both squads.
If Minnesota sees someone they love at 22, and Phoenix wants to collect an extra second-rounder without dropping too far down, this is a match.
#4) The Portland Trail Blazers
Picks: 7, 14, 34, 40
Will the Suns and Blazers make another deal? A package 34 and 40 for 22 could be something worth pursuing if Phoenix doesn’t love how the board plays out. They may even be able to land a future 2nd out of that. Portland has four picks in the draft, so they may be looking to trim the fat of the influx of picks.
It’s all about collecting assets. If the Suns can find a way to add a rookie and then flip one of those picks to add a rotation player, I’m all about it.
#5) The Indiana Pacers
Picks: 36, 49, 50
Could Phoenix take another swing at TJ McConnell? Probably unlikely, but given their link to him in the past plus the Jalen Smith trade, these teams have had some dialogue over the years. Maybe that leads to a swap of picks.
I’m not holding my breath on either of those scenarios occurring.
The Knicks and the Jazz are the teams I keep circling back to when thinking about trade partners. There should be a decent amount of movement come draft night, and I’m curious to see how (if at all) this two-day split between rounds impacts the trade market on night one.
Phoenix has some work to do, and the first step of the retooling process is less than 72 hours away.