The Phoenix Suns are in one of the most interesting spots in the NBA draft this season, as they have the number five pick in the lottery and could be in line for one of the top prospects depending on how the first few picks play out.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, the team could look to trade Marcin Gortat depending on how the opening of the NBA Draft goes, as the team could get a big man if Alex Len or Nerlens Noel slips. Both players are projected as top picks but since both have injuries, there is a chance they could fall to five and the Suns. Noel is the preferred pick if that happens, but Len has also been rumored as the number one pick as well.
Noel is dealing with a surgery for his ACL at 19-years-old and that could scare away some teams, while Len has been dealing with a foot injury. Len has prime defensive and shot blocking skills and they like his potential as a rebounding threat. If the team thinks it can get one of the big men, they could swing Gortat to Portland as they would like another first round pick and Portland is looking to deal. Cody Zeller or Steven Adams could be available and the team has also looked at Kansas center Jeff Withey.
The Suns finished 25-57 and last in the Pacific division this season and with some solid draft picks and possible trades they are hoping for a quick turnaround out West. Gortat is solid but not spectacular and he had numbers of 11.1 points and 8.5 rebounds in 30.8 minutes per game and since he is over $7 million next year, he could be on the move. More rumors will come about as the draft gets closer, but the Suns seem willing to deal and teams trying to move up like the Lakers and Thunder may try to jump in.
