Avoid long-term contracts
There’s good reason to hold off on spending big in free agency. With the team expected to make a huge jump next season, it could be a top destination for free agents either next offseason or the following summer.
But the only way to bring in big free agents is to have plenty of available cap space. Next summer, Tyson Chandler will be off the books. The next summer, Brandon Knight‘s contract will be up. Cap space will be abundant.
Sure, Devin Booker will get paid before next offseason. T.J. Warren still has a decent salary. And the team will have to decide if they want to keep Chriss and Bender before 2020. But Josh Jackson and Deandre Ayton will still be on rookie deals the next two summers, giving the Phoenix Suns a window to spend big on a free agent without compromising their core.
But it’s only possible if they’re patient and prudent in free agency this offseason.
Wings like Marcus Smart and J.J. Redick are both free agents, and they’d be great pieces to help with young players’ developments. But they’re both expected to go for well over $10 million, giving the Suns a lot to think about. Depending on when they decide they’re ready to make a move, they shouldn’t give either player a deal longer than two years. Preferably, they wouldn’t give out more than a one year deal.
Next: Roundable: Our selections for each one of the Phoenix Suns draft picks
There are lots of players that can come in and help right away in free agency. But if the Phoenix Suns aren’t patient, they may cost themselves an opportunity at an elite talent down the line.