Valley of the Suns
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Five free agent PF’s to keep an eye on for the Phoenix Suns

By Ross Ittel

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 12: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 12, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 12: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 12, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza has been a solid two-way player from the time he came into the league in 2005.

He has been a consistent double-digit scorer the last few years and is a very good shooter from the forward position – expect for game seven of the Western Conference Finals…

With a 6’9″ 215 pound body, Ariza is on the smaller and leaner side of NBA power forwards, but he has proved with the Rockets last year that he was able to play the small ball four – exactly what McDonough has said he is looking for.

A great corner shooter, he shot nearly 38% from deep in 2017-18 while establishing himself nicely in the run-and-gun offense of Mike D’Antoni. After bringing down only 4.4 rebounds this past season (D’Antoni teams historically grab a ton of rebounds because there are lots and lots to be had), Phoenix would need to not only believe in the ability of Deandre Ayton to dominate the boards, but also that the other players would contribute by rebounding by committee.

Adding Ariza would give the Suns a player that current young wings like Josh Jackson and Mikal Bridges can learn from. Ariza is a good 3-and-D player, something Phoenix expects Mikal Bridges to become in the NBA.

A high character player, Ariza would also help with the leadership skills that have been put squarely on Dudley and Chandler for the past two seasons.

It will be interesting to see what Ariza wants to do in free agency. He may end up out of Houston’s price range whether or not they are able to lure a LeBron James or Paul George to the lone star state.

He turns 32 in May which also seems a little bit risky to offer Ariza anything over a three-year deal. Trevor has a championship ring on his finger and his agent recently hinted that he will look for a big time four-year deal worth between $50 and $60 million.

If the market determines that his asking price is too high, Ariza could be a great fit in Phoenix on the right deal.

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