How the Phoenix Suns Can Stave Off Mediocrity

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The Phoenix Suns are in a very difficult situation right now. They went from being arguably the best team in the NBA to a lottery team in just a few short years. One thing is clear: the Suns need to make moves.

I have proposed two moves which I feel would allow the Suns to get back on track. They would be younger, save money and hopefully win a few more games.

Step One: Trade Amare Stoudemire to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Caron Butler, Mike James, and the fifth pick in the draft.

It's no secret that Washington is looking to deal its pick in the upcoming draft, as they would be forced to acquire a guard and they don't really need one right now. Grabbing Amare Stoudemire would be perfect for them.

Washington desperatley needs a big man on their team, because Antawan Jamison just isn't enough. Pairing Stoudemire and Jamison would be a formidable front line. DeShawn Stevenson would go to small forward, Nick Young at the shooting guard. As a bonus, they get rid of Mike James's bad contract.

Amare Stoudemire isn't a great rebounder or defender, but he does get nine rebounds a game (much better than most) and will play some defense. He would certainly be an upgrade over Brendan Haywood. Washington needs to change things around, to at least look like they're trying, and this move would be perfect.

For the Suns, they would get an athletic wing man who could step in as the defensive ace this team has lacked since Raja Bell was traded. He is a very tough kid and is a very physical defender, and Phoenix would love to have that.

He is also a very talented offensive player and a good shooter. The Suns wouldn't have to worry about their offense, and with Stoudemire gone, the lane will be free for Steve Nash again. The Suns wouldn't have to worry about Stoudemire's complaints or threats of leaving in 2010.

The fifth pick may be high enough for Phoenix to snatch Ricky Rubio. Rubio's stock has dropped because he has refused to work out for many NBA teams.

With the Grizzlies looking at Hasheem Thabeet, Oklahoma City not needing another guard, and Sacramento no longer interested in Rubio, Phoenix would have a great chance at landing their point guard of the future.

Phoenix could then use the 14th pick on a player like Earl Clark, who would give them additional depth. Mike James would simply be a filler. He could play minutes and give Steve Nash the occasional night off.

Step Two: Trade Jason Richardson to the Los Angeles Clippers for Marcus Camby.

It's no secret that the Clippers are going to draft Blake Griffin, a power forward. They'll need space in the frontcourt for him. Of course, Los Angeles would much prefer to deal Zach Randolph instead, but it's doubtful anyone will take him.

If the Clippers are too reluctant to deal Camby, the Suns could ask for Chris Kaman instead. If this were to happen, LA would have to toss in a scrub to make the salaries match.

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