Phoenix Suns Offseason Plans Part 3: Free Agency
By Adam Maynes
Filling Positional Needs
*Chances are the Suns won’t be going after any of the big fish, so filling in roster holes with other free agents who might be found on bargain will be the most likely approach in free agency.
Point Guard
As mentioned with Ronnie Price, the Suns are pretty set at point guard and would only need to sign one in the event of an emergency. If such a situation arises, then Price is likely at the top of their list of calls, fairly limiting who they might seek in free agency.
Shooting Guard
This one is a little tricky as the Suns’ backup shooting guard should be Brandon Knight. Presuming he is finally traded, Valley of the Suns fans will have to wait to see what the return is for him, and whether or not they get a shooting guard back in return.
The Suns could make a minor splash if they signed veteran J.J. Reddick to backup Devin Booker and play alongside him when Book is slid over to small forward. The ironic thing though about adding him mainly as a reserve would be that his salary would probably far exceed the combined salaries of Booker and Warren, two superior players, though the depth added would be great.
Jason Terry and Alan Anderson could also be options in limited minutes as veteran role players and would come considerably cheaper than Reddick, if another option is not found via trade or the draft.
Small Forward
P.J. Tucker will be unrestricted and unless the Raptors desperately want to keep him beyond these playoffs there is a chance that he could return to Phoenix as a backup to T.J. Warren. This would probably also allow him to be a part of the next Suns playoffs team, something he was hoping to do before he was traded.
If Tucker is not the plan for McDonough, or is unavailable, then Phoenix will need another small forward for depth. Omari Casspi might be an option on a one or two-year deal and could provide a little more of the outside shooting that T.J. Warren currently lacks.
Thabo Sefolosha too could be an option, for the exact same reason as Casspi, and for the same duration. As a 10-year veteran, he could also be another one of those players signed later in their careers with the expectation that he will balance out the youth of the rising stars, and act as an extension of the coaching staff.
Power Forward
Power Foward is probably the one position where the Suns are going to count on the continued growth of Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender, as well as the two remaining years with Jared Dudley. Not to mention, if the Suns were to do anything with the position it would likely be to seriously upgrade through trade, or by acquiring Blake Griffin, rather than addition of small pieces.
If, however, they need to add depth because of players lost in trades, Derrick Williams could be an interesting option as he is still young enough and talented enough to be an impact reserve for the Suns, and even fill in as a starter for short spurts should Chriss get hurt.
Next: Phoenix Suns Offseason Plans Part 1: The Draft
Center
Unfortunately there are very few options at center should the Suns seek depth, especially if they do not match an offer for Alex Len. Of the five (yes, five) unrestricted free agent centers this offseason, not a one would be a legitimate starter for any team, let alone the Suns, meaning the starting position without Len is Chandler’s without question. Depth here following Alan Williams would have to be found through trade, or the draft.