Butler or #4?

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

This post is in response to Chad Ford's discussion about the Suns wanting to move out of the draft for a young veteran. Butler is really just a proxy for such a player - the best target we have heard may be available. The #4 is a dubious position in the draft, full of risk. But while we might be thinking of moving down to the 7/8 range, Ford spoke as if we were really looking to move out of that spot entirely.

Sarver's impatience with losing and rebuilding is thought to be the motivation for such a move. I suppose the idea is that fans won't stick around for the full rebuild. As I see it, as a lifelong Suns fan, I don't care about the length of the rebuild as long as it puts us in contention for a title. The way I see it, we're a long ways toward a tremendous young core. I'd like to stick with that plan rather than going for the quick fix that relegates us to a low-ceiling core.

So, supposing that the optimal situation is an straight-up trade, #4 for Butler, would you rather gamble with the #4 pick (or perhaps move down just a few spots) or go with the young vet, Butler? To be clear, I think Butler would cost us more than just the #4, but the purpose of the poll is test the appetite of the fan base. If you have a creative and altogether different idea, select "Other" and explain.

[NTB]

Butler.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Something I just thought of: if I prefer Butler to the #4, wouldn't it stand to reason that I prefer #6 to Bledsoe? Bled's got three more years on his deal; Dunn is extremely similar and would be under control for 8 years. I bet the Pels would make that deal - Bledsoe for #6. We could draft Dunn #4 and Bender/Chriss/Sabonis @ #6, thereby establishing a complete starting lineup with players on rookie contracts, 1-5.

Much prefer that direction than the vet option.

[bwgood77]

This post is in response to Chad Ford's discussion about the Suns wanting to move out of the draft for a young veteran. Butler is really just a proxy for such a player - the best target we have heard may be available. The #4 is a dubious position in the draft, full of risk. But while we might be thinking of moving down to the 7/8 range, Ford spoke as if we were really looking to move out of that spot entirely.

Sarver's impatience with losing and rebuilding is thought to be the motivation for such a move. I suppose the idea is that fans won't stick around for the full rebuild. As I see it, as a lifelong Suns fan, I don't care about the length of the rebuild as long as it puts us in contention for a title. The way I see it, we're a long ways toward a tremendous young core. I'd like to stick with that plan rather than going for the quick fix that relegates us to a low-ceiling core.

So, supposing that the optimal situation is an straight-up trade, #4 for Butler, would you rather gamble with the #4 pick (or perhaps move down just a few spots) or go with the young vet, Butler? To be clear, I think Butler would cost us more than just the #4, but the purpose of the poll is test the appetite of the fan base. If you have a creative and altogether different idea, select "Other" and explain.

Well it would take way more than the 4 to get Butler so it depends on what else had to be included.

[bwgood77]

Something I just thought of: if I prefer Butler to the #4, wouldn't it stand to reason that I prefer #6 to Bledsoe? Bled's got three more years on his deal; Dunn is extremely similar and would be under control for 8 years. I bet the Pels would make that deal - Bledsoe for #6. We could draft Dunn #4 and Bender/Chriss/Sabonis @ #6, thereby establishing a complete starting lineup with players on rookie contracts, 1-5.

Much prefer that direction than the vet option.

Pelicans are not going to want to take on more injury prone players.

[starbosa10]

straight up of course. it'd take more than just the 4 so depends on the deal

[TheXgasm]

I guess the question is - can we take advantage of Butler's skills immediately to create a competitive team, or are we wasting money, assets and Butler's time to acquire him when we'll still be a bad team while we have him?

Look at the Cardinals trading their 2nd round pick for Chandler Jones...that makes a ton of sense, because they're in win-now mode and a talented guy that can start RIGHT NOW is much more valuable than a future stud that needs time to develop.

But are we in win-now mode? Can we afford to give up rolling the dice on what might be a future stud to get a sure thing now? That risk-reward is what McD & Co. are looking at, I'm sure. I just don't know. The NBA is a lot different than the NFL, one player can make all the difference, but is Butler that one player?

[dremill24]

If it's simply #4 or Butler..i dunno why it's even a question

[TheXgasm]

If it's simply #4 or Butler..i dunno why it's even a question

Oh yeah, if it was straight up, sure, I could go for that knowing we still have 13 and 28.

But if it takes any more picks or non-expendable players, then you start debating.

[rsavaj]

straight up would be highway robbery for us

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

If there is any truth to the rumor that we're looking to trade the #4 for a vet, there's only one explanation - the PF we want in the draft will be available at #13 or will otherwise be available via trade. If that is the case, I'm okay moving #4 for a vet, the idea being that we think the top of the draft is trash and we're better off making our picks later.

[LukasBMW]

With Butler, we'd have 2 legit all-star guys at the 2 & 3.

Add in a healthy year from Bledsoe and we start looking like a playoff team.

If we can exchange #4 for Butler AND keep our late picks (13+28+32). It's a huge no brainier.

[RaisingArizona]

Sure, why not?

[saintEscaton]

With Butler, we'd have 2 legit all-star guys at the 2 & 3.

Add in a healthy year from Bledsoe and we start looking like a playoff team.

If we can exchange #4 for Butler AND keep our late picks (13+28+32). It's a huge no brainier.

Who is this other All-Star wing you are speaking of? Is he currently on the roster?