I think possibly taking a different perspective on the Weller trade could provide a reason to feel better about the deal. In American sports, teams are often implored to provide their superstars with the 'help' they need to achieve greatness. When LeBron James decided to return to Cleveland, the Cavaliers held the number 1 pick in the draft and drafted a player named Andrew Wiggins, but speculation was rife that they were about to trade him for a player that could instantly help LeBron compete for a Championship.
Sure enough, Wiggins was traded less than two months later during their preseason for an established All Star named Kevin Love. LeBron didn't join the Cavs only to wait a few years while the young guys developed - he wanted to compete with the big boys from day one. So, the Cavs got him 'help' in Kevin Love and they went all the way to the Championship series that season (it's called the Finals in America) with a team that had finished last the season before.
I feel the same logic can be applied to the Weller situation. The Suns know they need to win games in 2018 in order to increase their chances of keeping Lynch. Weller 'helps' them achieve that goal. Would Brayshaw, Dow or LDU have had the same instant impact as Weller? Possibly, but it's a risk. Weller is a known commodity (best 22 player already) who is on an upward trajectory statistically and has played every game over the last two seasons. Not only that, he's also on a long-term contract with the Suns so Lynch knows he isn't going anywhere.
It's undeniable that Weller is better than Gold Coast's 22nd best player so he instantly makes them a better team and it's a near guarantee that he'll contribute to the 2018 season more than whoever they would have taken with the 2nd pick last year. You have to pick your moments when superstars are off contract and I think the Suns have increased their chances of keeping Lynch long-term by recruiting Weller. Then there's likely to be a flow on effect next year when Steven May becomes a free agent. He is more likely to stay with the knowledge that Lynch (and Weller) are locked in long-term.
Sure enough, Wiggins was traded less than two months later during their preseason for an established All Star named Kevin Love. LeBron didn't join the Cavs only to wait a few years while the young guys developed - he wanted to compete with the big boys from day one. So, the Cavs got him 'help' in Kevin Love and they went all the way to the Championship series that season (it's called the Finals in America) with a team that had finished last the season before.
I feel the same logic can be applied to the Weller situation. The Suns know they need to win games in 2018 in order to increase their chances of keeping Lynch. Weller 'helps' them achieve that goal. Would Brayshaw, Dow or LDU have had the same instant impact as Weller? Possibly, but it's a risk. Weller is a known commodity (best 22 player already) who is on an upward trajectory statistically and has played every game over the last two seasons. Not only that, he's also on a long-term contract with the Suns so Lynch knows he isn't going anywhere.
It's undeniable that Weller is better than Gold Coast's 22nd best player so he instantly makes them a better team and it's a near guarantee that he'll contribute to the 2018 season more than whoever they would have taken with the 2nd pick last year. You have to pick your moments when superstars are off contract and I think the Suns have increased their chances of keeping Lynch long-term by recruiting Weller. Then there's likely to be a flow on effect next year when Steven May becomes a free agent. He is more likely to stay with the knowledge that Lynch (and Weller) are locked in long-term.