Valley of the Suns
Fansided

The Suns should wait until 2019 to make free agency moves

By Assane Drame

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 2: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets goes for a lay up against the Charlotte Hornets during the game on March 2, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 2: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets goes for a lay up against the Charlotte Hornets during the game on March 2, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Phoenix Suns’ front office have made it known that they want to be active in free agency this year. While there are some skillful players that are set to hit the open market this offseason, the Suns should instead focus on the 2019 free agency period.

By the time 2019 free agency rolls around, Tyson Chandler, Jared Dudley, Alan Williams, and Troy Daniels will all be off the salary books for the Phoenix Suns, due either to declining team options or expiring contracts.

Additionally, using Brandon Knight’s expiring contract at that time as trade bait paves the way for even more cap space to be opened up.

With these potential moves that can made to clear up space, 2019 would be more of an opportune time to go after some valuable, useful free agents who could be anywhere from starters to key role players.

There are multiple potential stars that will be available too. That pool could open up further depending on whether certain players would opt for 1+1 deals as well (one-year deals with a player option).

The list below is of some of the key free agents who could become available in 2019:

Kent Bazemore (PO)

Patrick Beverley (UFA)

AL Horford (PO)

Terry Rozier (RFA)

Darren Collison (UFA)

Kemba Walker (UFA)

D’Angelo Russell (RFA)

Spencer Dinwiddie (RFA)

Kevin Love (PO)

Malcolm Brogdon (UFA)

Marc Gasol (PO)

Klay Thompson (UFA)

Myles Turner (RFA)

Jordan Bell (UFA)

Paul Millsap (TO)

Bojan Bodanovic (UFA)

Tobias Harris (UFA)

Justise Winslow (RFA)

Khris Middleton (PO)

Tyus Jones (RFA)

Jimmy Butler (PO)

Karl Anthony-Towns (RFA)

Kristaps Porzingis (RFA)

Patrick Patterson (PO)

Nikola Vucevic (UFA)

Al-Farouq Aminu (UFA)

Kawhi Leonard (PO)

Delon Wright (RFA)

Ricky Rubio (UFA)

However, things can change in a year regarding team/player options, trade, and contract extensions.

While the Suns may not be able to have a shot at some of these players, it is smart to open yourself up to that chance. Knowing that the next free agent class could be superior to this current one, they should stay patient and find a way.

Also, Devin Booker, who will garner a contract extension in that same offseason, is highly thought of in the league among the players and with the addition of Deandre Ayton and continued growth of Josh Jackson, could be a magnet for possible free agents. Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant even said Booker got “next.” That should be a key reason in players to be interested.

Next: Marquese Chriss May have played his last game with the Phoenix Suns

As a result, Ryan McDonough and company should follow this game plan as it could pay dividends down the line. Making moves in the 2019 offseason versus now would set up the Suns for a brighter future.

Home/Suns Free Agency