The Phoenix Suns need to find a creative way to get better this summer.
The Phoenix Suns have work to do this offseason.
The 2024 NBA Playoffs are still going strong, but the offseason has already begun for 22 teams.
For the basketball junkies, it’s never too early to dive into the potential names in free agency or the trade market. The NBA Draft is another route they can take, but that is unlikely now.
In a press conference earlier this week, James Jones was asked by Baxter Holmes about his overall view on how the Suns can build out their roster from a flexibility standpoint. His response: “We have assets add players to the positions that will make us better. I’m not thinking about 2031. None of us are thinking about 2031.”
.@Baxter asked Jones his assessment of the potential to build out the #Suns‘ roster. Phoenix is currently $16.2 million over the second tax apron.
The following penalties will kick in for the Suns:
— Cannot use a trade exception generated by aggregating the salaries of… pic.twitter.com/o7VNqVlR1O
— Trevor Booth (@TrevorMBooth) May 2, 2024
Reading between the lines here: do not get attached to the Suns’ 1st round pick this season. Or their 2031 first-rounder. This team wants to win now at all costs.
There is value in having cheap rotation players on rookie contracts; there are several examples of those situations around the league. The draft still matters for contenders despite popular opinion. However, if Phoenix can find a way to improve and the cost is dealing another pick, I’m fine with it.
The team is set on continuing to go all-in on their established core. Who are some players that could help the Suns now?
The type of player the Suns could receive in this hypothetical scenario is intriguing. Their ability to deal multiple picks is flying under the radar. While they can’t stack contracts, they can send one (Nurkic, Little, etc.) attached with multiple picks to sweeten the pot.
Nassir Little’s $6.7M contract, No. 22 and/or a 2031 unprotected Phoenix pick gets you what (comment below) https://t.co/fG3jMUSZHu
— Inside the Sun (@_insidethesun) May 2, 2024
The Targets
This will be an informal dive into some players tossed around in my mentions in reply to this tweet the other day. There is plenty of time for the nerdy cap space stuff, so we’ll save that for later.
Let’s step back and throw some names at the wall like a couple of friends sitting at a bar for this segment.
Name some of your favorite *realistic* targets for the Suns this offseason
⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
— Zona (@AZSportsZone) May 1, 2024
The names in the replies included:
- LeBron James (yes, the people are speaking… see John’s piece here)
- James Harden (what salary restrictions?)
These two are going to generate buzz (whether there’s a real shot or not) and
Next stop for James Harden?
If he doesn’t stay with the L.A. Clippers, Phoenix Suns have best odds to land him, says @BetOnline_ag .
He’s an unrestricted free agent. #Suns #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/jaO9Lqdh3D
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) May 4, 2024
- Chris Paul (reunite him with the fellas and bring LeBron on board to get crazy & old)
- Russell Westbrook (KD-Russ reunion on a vet min?)
- Kyle Lowry (a vet that can take Gordon’s minutes and fill a need)
- Clint Capela (a playable veteran center, I’m in!)
- Brook Lopez (see above)
- Alex Caruso (we’ve been flirting with this idea for years)
- Marcus Smart (tough to see this happening)
- Dennis Schroeder (also been flirting with this one for a while)
- Saddiq Bey (a playable wing/forward that can shoot? why not)
- Kris Dunn (defense and playmaking)
- Larry Nance Jr. (via trade, unlikely)
- Mason Plumlee (sure?)
- Robert Covington (3&D)
- PJ Tucker (pure nostalgia… he doesn’t have a ton left in the tank)
- Patrick Beverley (gross)
Okay, now we’re in deep conversation. Approaching sicko territory.
- Richaun Holmes (sure… welcome back)
- Dario Saric (Dario strong. why not… welcome back)
- Monte Morris
- Cam Payne (could’ve used turbo last year at times…)
- Josh Richardson
- Delon Wright
- Bismack Biyombo (BIZ!)
- Christian Wood
- Mo Bamba
- Torrey Craig (again)
- Bronny James (secure LeBron on a minimum contract, 4D Chess)
Looking internally, I want Phoenix to bring back Royce O’Neale and Bol Bol. Josh Okogie to a lesser extent.
Which names interest you the most above? Who is missing? Drop your favorite targets below!