Next Up Part 1: Who the Phoenix Suns should cut

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PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 9: Elfrid Payton #4 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns on December 9, 2015 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 2015 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Renounce or Sign-and-Trade Elfrid Payton and Alex Len

I love both Elfrid Payton and Alex Len. I think they’re undervalued commodities who get way too much flack from Phoenix Suns fans. I compare Len to someone like Robin Lopez who Suns fans loved to hate, but has put together a nice NBA career. These guys can play.

However, they can’t play for the Suns anymore. Len can’t stretch the floor well enough to compliment Ayton, and he doesn’t have the range of quick post moves to back him up. As a result, it is time for his $8M cap hold to move on down the road.

This is a similar story with Payton. I think his slashing style and he has the potential to be really valuable, but not in Phoenix. He shot 20% from downtown for the Suns last year.

That is not a typo.

If the Suns are looking to swing the ball to a spot up shooter, Elfrid can’t be the guy. If he could player defense you might be able to forgive the lack of a jumper, but without either it’s a lost cause.

I hope the young man gets more self confidence and has a tremendous career, but he has his $10M cap hold have got to go as well.

Since writing this post it has been widely reported that the Suns plan to renounce their rights to both players…so, we’re off to a good start.

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