5 players the Phoenix Suns should trade the No. 6 pick for

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 10: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Orlando Magic on March 10, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 10: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Orlando Magic on March 10, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next

The Phoenix Suns may be willing to move the No. 6 pick in the draft for a veteran guard, and these five should be on the radar.

The Phoenix Suns have not made the playoffs since 2010 now, with four straight seasons of less than 25 wins and a collective winning percentage of .264 over that most recent span. They had a good chance at the No. 1 pick in this month’s draft, but the lottery ping-pong balls left them at No. 6.

The Suns have a new coach again, as Monty Williams brings an air of credibility with him as a well-regarded assistant. Devin Booker is a legit star and building block, while 2018 No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton looks like he belongs. That said, there could very well be some level of urgency in Phoenix with new people leading the charge on the court and in the front office.

According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, the Suns have let it be known they are open to moving the No. 6 pick for a veteran guard. More specifically, a veteran point guard should be on the radar.

There aren’t a lot of sure-fire options out there, with a combination of being an all-around impact player with a palatable contract.

That said, the Suns should be targeting these five guards in any effort to move that No. 6 pick.

Mandatory Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images /

5. Reggie Jackson, Detroit Pistons

Jackson played all 82 games for the Pistons this past season, while averaging 15.4 points, 4.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game while setting career-bests in makes (2.1 per game), attempts (5.7 per game) and percentage (36.9 percent) from 3-point range.

Jackson is entering the final year of his contract, at a shade over $18 million. For the Suns, via Real GM’s Trade Machine, moving Tyler Johnson (once he picks up a $19.2 million player option) with the No. 6 pick is the move with the fewest moving parts. A deal sending T.J. Warren and Josh Jackson to Detroit would also work, but frankly the Suns should not do that with the sixth pick to only get Jackson in return. The addition of Luke Kennard from the Pistons’ end makes the deal work as a 2-for-2, as much as he might appeal to Phoenix.

Jackson’s inclusion here points to how lackluster the options are for the Suns to add a viable veteran point guard in a trade, let alone part with the No. 6 pick with any sort of other young pieces in order to add one.