The Phoenix Suns, even if they trade away Kevin Durant, are still in a dire need of a rebuild. With no draft capital, limited financial flexibility, and a meddling owner who wants to do things his way, the Suns, at best, will be competing for a play-in tournament spot for the next several seasons, because tanking simply isn't worth it.
However, on a recent episode of Get Up, Jay Williams proposed the bailout to end all bailouts.
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg
© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
"When I look at the value, could you potentially package something like this to get a Giannis? Could you package in a one-on-one trade to get a Devin Booker? Could you get a Tyrese Maxey?" asked Williams. "If your championship window is in two to three years, could you utilize that pick and some assets to get somebody who's ready to contribute to you right now with the pressure in the Western Conference?"
If the Suns are willing to take on a matching salary, there is a path for them to land the top pick in the draft. However, a past-his-prime Durant is not the player the Dallas Mavericks would want, and would instead set their sights on Devin Booker. There is a way for the Mavs to flip the injured Kyrie Irving to the Suns, giving them a win-now roster of Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Devin Booker, as well as keeping role-players like PJ Washington, Dereck Lively III, and Naji Marshall.
Of course, the Mavericks giving up their future for a very narrow window was met with scrutiny, even from current players.
Dallas has made puzzling moves in recent months, and with the disorder caused by Nico Harrison trading away Luka Doncic, it's hard to count anything out.
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