Valley of the Suns
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Phoenix Suns 2018 offseason plans Part 3: Free Agency

By Adam Maynes

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 30: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a three pointer during the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 30, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 30: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a three pointer during the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 30, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 26: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on February 26, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 26: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on February 26, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

 Elfrid Payton

I wrote before that the Suns should re-sign Elfrid Payton, and I stand by that: but only on a one-year deal and as a reserve. Whether they draft a point guard or run with Brandon Knight as the starter this coming season, having a veteran like Payton off the bench would be of benefit to the team and it would give him the opportunity to revamp public perception of his abilities potentially making him more money next offseason.

However, a one-year, $5M or so deal is about the only thing I would offer if I were Ryan McDonough. While I’d be happier with him as the team’s lead reserve point guard than Tyler Ulis, my expectations of Payton are still fairly low and I’d want to see him earn a larger contract by playing on a prove-it deal. Should he either demand more or another team offers him a contract of any length or dollars more than what I am proposing, I tell him thank you for his time in Phoenix and wish him the best of luck (except in games that he faces the Suns).

That all being said, I do not expect Payton to be back, I do think that his short time in Phoenix proved that he isn’t that special and the Suns are hopeful that they can draft at least one point guard this June to come in and serve as the backup, letting Payton leave with no muss and no fuss.

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