Top 3 assets Phoenix Suns can use to bolster their squad in the 2021 nba offseason

The Phoenix Suns made their much-anticipated return to the NBA playoffs this year and with it came a spectacular run to the Finals. Although they ended up losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games, the Suns have a core of stars in place that can run it back next year.

Chris Paul, Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton and Mikal Bridges all excelled in the postseason and, should they stay together, will make Phoenix one of the favorites to reach the championship series again. Although it would seem obvious that they should all return, leader Chris Paul has a player option in his contract for next season.

If he declines, there will most certainly be huge offers on the table for him from the likes of the LA Lakers and New York Knicks. However, it seems more likely for now that he will return to play for the Phoenix Suns on a long-term deal.

Since the Suns fell short this campaign, they will inevitably be looking to make adjustments to their roster. Despite all of the success they have enjoyed, there is always room for improvement and while it could seem harsh to part ways with players who have helped them return to the pinnacle of NBA basketball, playing in the league is a cutthroat business.

Three Phoenix Suns assets that could be utilized in trades this summer

Since the likely scenario is that Paul re-signs with the Phoenix Suns, that leaves them with just their midlevel exception to work with in the offseason. They could use it to bring in one or two veterans or a worthy starter.

Phoenix struggled in the paint in the playoffs. When Dario Saric was injured, their inability to replace DeAndre Ayton's dominance was painfully clear for Suns fans. They need another rim protector on a team-friendly deal such as JaVale McGee but will also be looking to add a backup point guard with Cameron Payne entering free agency.

Although there are exciting times ahead for the Phoenix Suns, they need to be shrewd in the marketplace if they want to continue their upward trajectory. We have therefore chosen three assets they could part ways with to do that.

#3 29th pick in 2021 NBA Draft

The Phoenix Suns have often had lottery picks in the NBA Draft

The Phoenix Suns have become accustomed to having a high draft pick in recent years but could decide to move their 29th pick this year in a trade package. Currently in a win-now window, it makes a lot of sense for the franchise to focus on bringing in a player that can provide meaningful production to a team that came so close to winning it all.

With the draft happening on Thursday evening, however, the Suns are going to have to act fast. This week we have already seen the New Orleans Pelicans giving up their lottery pick to improve their roster in attempts to keep superstar Zion Williamson happy. A similar move made by Phoenix, along with one or two other assets, would not be surprising.

#2 Cameron Johnson

Phoenix Suns v Denver Nuggets - Game Three

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

Phoenix Suns lottery pick 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.