David King believes Gold Coast’s 2023 first round pick is the biggest asset up for grabs this trade period.
The selection, which currently sits at pick No. 5 with the Suns 14th on the ladder, is considered gettable this off-season.
The reason why the pick is on the table is because the Suns have three Academy selections which have been rated as first-round picks in Jed Walter, Ethan Read and Jake Rogers.
Given that Walter in particular is expected to be bid on in the first handful of picks, Gold Coast could look to get rid of that selection so it isn’t swallowed up in the draft process.
King pondered whether North Melbourne could target the Suns’ pick and potentially put up Tarryn Thomas, a player who has links to Gold Coast, in a straight swap offer.
King’s co-host Kane Cornes explained why he wouldn’t do that deal if he were the Suns as the duo discussed Gold Coast’s dilemma on SEN Breakfast.
King: “The biggest asset up for grabs in the game right now is the Gold Coast Suns’ first round pick, because they do not need that pick.
“They've got three top 10 (pick) types that are Academy selections.
“They only need picks for points and those picks can be in the 20s and the 30s and they can scoop the pool with those three picks.
“So, I'm wondering whether the Kangaroos can do a deal with the Gold Coast Suns, and it may cost them Tarryn Thomas.
“I know they were into Tarryn a year ago. Not much has changed with Tarryn from last year to this year in terms of being a known product both on and off the field.
“Could the Kangaroos do a deal with the Suns? Would the Suns take Tarryn Thomas with their pick five? Given that they've got to do something with it anyway.”
Cornes: “I wouldn't have thought so.”
King: “You wouldn't do it?”
Cornes: “I would be looking at other options for that pick five at other clubs.
“That would be a pick that a lot of clubs would want to get their hands on, and I think they can do better than Tarryn Thomas.”
King: “Better than Tarryn? I’d be interested to know who better than Tarryn is. The kid can play. He's 23 years of age.”
Cornes: “Why would North Melbourne let him go? They need talent, they need speed, they need everything.
“If the kid can play and they're willing to see him as part of the future, North Melbourne aren't trading Tarryn Thomas.
“So clearly there's a reason why (if they’re trying to offload him) and I don't think I would be going anywhere near him.”
King: “You’re coming from the Suns’ angle?”
Cornes: “Yeah. But if I'm North, I’m absolutely trying to shop him (Thomas).
“There'll be a taker for him, someone who will tip into Tarryn Thomas, but I would have thought it's an early second round sort of pick rather than a pick five.”
Rival clubs may also offer the Suns a suite of later picks for the first-round selection to give Gold Coast the points they need to match bids for their Academy players.
At this stage, the Suns hold picks 5, 24, 30, 41, 54, 59, 60, 67 and 77 in this year’s draft, equating to 4119 draft points.