Valley of the Suns
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LeBron’s quick decision means Suns must win the moratorium

By Dan Volpone

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball under pressure from Marquese Chriss #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 129-107. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball under pressure from Marquese Chriss #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 129-107. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LeBron James is expected to make his free agency decision before the Fourth of July, which means the Phoenix Suns must act fast.

LeBron James isn’t coming to the Suns, but that doesn’t mean his decision won’t have ripple effects reaching Phoenix. Today, ESPN’s LeBron James expert Brian Windhorst reported that we will likely know King James’ next team in the opening days of free agency, before the July 4.

While that may seem insignificant since he’s not even considering Phoenix as a destination, the timing of the move may actually determine the timing of all subsequent moves across the NBA. It’s a cause and effect chain of waiting that looks like this:

  • LeBron James is the best player in the NBA
  • Therefore, every team is willing to give him a max contract
  • Therefore, LeBron will choose between the most attractive free agent destinations
  • Therefore, top free agent destinations will hold off on other moves until he signs
  • Therefore, second tier players will get less offers until LeBron signs
  • Therefore, these players won’t sign a deal until after LeBron does

The chain can repeat for third and fourth tier players as well. And while there are obviously plenty of exceptions, there’s no denying that the longer LeBron James waits to sign, the longer it takes teams to fill their rosters.

For the Suns, knowing they can’t sign LeBron puts them at an advantage over teams who think they have a chance but will eventually be unsuccessful in courting The King. They can skip the mess of the LeBron waiting game and target other players they like right off the bat.

The Suns have an attractive roster in an attractive city, and they should be able to beat the LeBron courters to the punch when it comes to meeting with every single other free agent. If they can make their signings early, they can possibly grab a good player at a good price on a short-term deal.

But with LeBron set to make his decision quickly rather than drag it out for weeks, the Suns must act immediately to have an advantage. The moratorium period (when teams can meet with players but contracts can’t become official) goes from July 1 through July 6. LeBron is rumored to pick a team during this period, and all the ensuing dust should settle by its end.

Next: Breaking down the Phoenix Suns’ post draft roster

That means to have the best possible free agency, the Suns must act early and leave the moratorium knowing their main targets are coming to Phoenix. If not, they’ll end up competing with the entire league for free agents they wanted before anyone else, lowering their odds of a successful offseason.

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