'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#2 Cameron Johnson
Although it would be a tough breakup, if the Phoenix Suns want to find a way to add another star to their core of Paul, Booker, Bridges and Ayton, they may have to trade Cameron Johnson. The 25-year-old would certainly go a long way in sweetening a deal if the Suns were wanting to pursue a star power forward.
In their playoff run, he averaged eight points and three rebounds off the bench and was an extremely reliable perimeter option, draining 44% of threes attempted. In fact, in the postseason, Johnson had shooting splits of 50-40-90.
Johnson still has a lot to add to his game but brings with him a lot of value in a league that relies so heavily on downtown scorers. He is an athletic player with versatility on both ends of the court, grabbing almost a steal per game in the playoffs. He also had one of the highlight dunks of the entire season against the Bucks.
#1 Jalen Smith
One player the Phoenix Suns fans see a lot of potential in is forward Jalen Smith. However, in his rookie season, Smith barely saw any playing time, mostly featuring in garbage minutes in just 27 games throughout the campaign. With Jae Crowder and Cameron Johnson ahead of him in the pecking order, coach Monty Williams was reluctant to give him a significant role on the team.
As discussed, the Suns are in win-now mode and with Smith owed $4.5m next season, his contract could be utilized to better the roster in a trade for a veteran or a backup scorer. The franchise are well-accustomed to letting go of young stars in order to pursue their championship hopes and with the current starting lineup they have, it may be wise to add depth while they have the chance.
Smith still has great promise in the NBA. Suns GM James Jones drafted him with their 10th overall pick last year, therefore he certainly sees something in him. However, if they retain their current frontcourt options, it may be wise to make upgrades elsewhere.
Guess the Lakers players!
