Phoenix Suns: Salary Cap Explosion May Hinder Rebuilding
Patience Remains A Virtue
This summer could be crucial if a number of high profile players sign one- or two-year deals. Players who sign one-year deals with new teams won’t give that team Bird Rights, but those who are a little more patient and take on two-year contracts will give their teams Bird Rights.
That means players who sign one-year deals might not be sure about their new situation and want as much flexibility as possible. Players who sign two-year deals may want to pull a LeBron and stick with the team they’re signing with, but only because that team will be able to offer them the kind of mega-deal we wouldn’t have been able to fathom a year ago.
So getting back to the Suns, their ideal situation — assuming they can somehow get their hands on the kind of game-changing star this team needs — would be signing a star to a two-year deal to be able to offer him a superior max contract when that player hits free agency before the 2017-18. Otherwise, a star on a one-year contract might amount to little more than a rental that cost Phoenix its chance at its “backcourt of the future.”
Not every player may be willing to take the kind of risk LeBron did. For an older player like Aldridge, who will turn 30 this July, perhaps having that long-term security and finding a title contender is more important than the money. But this summer’s free agency will be unlike anything the league has seen if the suggested trend comes to fruition, building to a complete bonanza the summer after that.
If that’s the case, the Suns’ rebuilding plan may have to wait a few more years until everyone has cap space and Phoenix’s core has matured a little more. The Suns are still in a good position moving forward, and a few years under the belts of guys like Bledsoe, Len and Goodwin may do wonders for this team’s league-wide perception.
If Phoenix can snag a star on a long-term deal or even a two-year deal that gives them Bird Rights, great. But if not, any substantial improvement for the Phoenix Suns over the next year or two will probably have to rely on internal development, smart drafting, trades and that buzz word fans are starting to hate: patience.
Next: Phoenix Suns: Don't Hold Your Breath On LaMarcus Aldridge