The upcoming regular season absolutely remains Phoenix’s prime focus right now, but to take a sneak peak into the future, these three free agents identify as strong additions which the Suns need to pursue. But for the countless others right below them, the Suns can carve out paths before them which lead to The Valley especially if they wisely exercise their mid-level exception, and pitch well to veterans willing to take on minimum contracts. No matter how the Suns manage the Ayton and Bridges extensions, superstars like the ones listed above will almost certainly fall outside their fiscal reach. Game breaking talents like James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Bradley Beal headline it, with several other notable names shortly following. Likely still shaping up as a contending team a year from now, Phoenix must utilize their finances accordingly and beef up their roster anyway possible. Next year’s free agent class already looks loaded. Extensions for Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton coming sooner rather than later might alter that, but for now, the Suns look well suited to pursue future talent. But even after closing the books on that “free agent frenzy” only a few weeks ago, Suns fans find themselves begging for a sequel already.įollowing the 2021-22 campaign, current projections from name the Suns as the seventh best cap oriented team heading into free agency. The 22-year-old California native made steady improvement to his offensive game throughout his five seasons at San Francisco, and getting the opportunity to start his NBA career playing behind the incredibly efficient Paul will only help continue that growth.īouyea is also a quick-twitch defender who should have enough size (6'2", 180 lbs) to guard opposing point guards, though he may not have a ton of defensive versatility.Īll told, he should emerge as a reliable NBA role player with the potential to become a starter with continued development, especially in a successful system like the one in Phoenix.During this year’s offseason, the Phoenix Suns reeled in several big fish, most notably their returning point guards Chris Paul and Cameron Payne, as well as high-flying big man JaVale McGee. He shot 47.0 percent from the field and averaged 2.1 threes made while shooting 36.7 percent from beyond the arc. Someone who could potentially compete with Cameron Payne whenever Paul, 36, vacates the point guard spot fits the mold.īouyea is coming off a senior season with the Dons where he averaged 17.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.8 steals in 34 appearances. Given the Suns' roster construction and the lack of a high pick, any rookies they add to the roster will be with the long-term outlook in mind. One player stands out as an intriguing target in that regard. That doesn't mean the front office won't do its due diligence on this year's prospects, either for a possible trade into the second round or potential undrafted free-agent signings. They dealt their first-rounder to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the November 2020 trade for Paul and they sent their second-rounder to the Indiana Pacers to acquire reserve forward Torrey Craig in February. The Suns currently don't own any picks in the 2022 NBA draft. The 6'9" UCLA product can play pretty much any position depending on whether the Suns are playing a traditional or small-ball lineup, which adds to his value for a title contender. His role diminished for the Grizzlies this season, but he's only one year removed from averaging 12.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals. Like Harrell, Anderson is a free-agent target based on his across-the-board contributions. Harrell could split time with Jae Crowder at power forward and also play some reserve minutes at center if neither McGee nor Biyombo returns. His ability to make such a significant impact without a high number of offensive touches makes him an ideal fit for Phoenix. The 2020 NBA Sixth Man of the Year is coming off another year of solid two-way production in 2021-22, a season he split between the Wizards and Charlotte Hornets. Let's check out a potential target in each of those areas. The Washington Wizards and the Suns agreed to the deal on Sunday, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. Instead, their focus will likely be on adding a little frontcourt and wing depth. Bradley Beal is being traded to Phoenix, where he will form a new power trio alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Taking care of their own business with Ayton tops the priority list, and they won't have a ton of financial flexibility beyond that unless it comes in the form of a blockbuster trade, which seems unlikely. The Suns don't figure to become major players on the open market this summer.
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