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Thaddeus Young is an option for the Phoenix Suns if available

By Patrick Nash

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 6: Thaddeus Young #21 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on April 6, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 6: Thaddeus Young #21 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on April 6, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Thaddeus Young is looking to sign a long-term contact and may opt out of the final year with the Pacers. Would Young be a viable addition to a Phoenix Suns team that is looking to start winning sooner rather than later?

Now that the NBA draft is over we now get to look towards free agency and what surprises that it will have in store for the Phoenix Suns. With an expected focus on signing a veteran point guard and stretch four, Thaddeus Young is one of a limited number of options for the Suns to sign.

Thaddeus is coming off a solid year with the Pacers. He is contemplating risking almost $14 million in guaranteed salary in search of a long-term contract. With the emergence of Domantas Sabonis, and drafting of T.J. Leaf last year, the Pacers have multiple options at the forward position and may be willing to let him walk.

What team could use a veteran presence with the ability to defend and possibly stretch the floor? The Suns of course!

WHY YOUNG?

Young, 30, is currently in the middle of his prime and has become a legitimate defender in the NBA. He has the ability to defend multiple positions and was able to showcase that during the playoffs this year. Young was able to put pressure on LeBron James while helping the Pacers push the Cleveland Cavaliers to 7 games before finally caving to one of the greatest players of all-time.

Young is coming off of a decent offensive season with the Pacers. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.4 block, all while shooting 49% from the field (32 percent from 3 and 60% from the free throw line).

Definitely not a great stat line. However, Young has the ability to shoot as high as 38% from 3 as he as done multiple season in his career (as recent as the 2016 – 2017 season). So the ability for him to stretch the floor is there.

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Young would also provide a solid veteran presence with playoff experience. That is something this young Suns team is in desperately need of. The options for a stretch-four are pretty slim right now.

If Young does opt out, he is one of the better options available. This Suns team needs a veteran with playoff experience to learn from. Thaddeus Young could be a great asset and the kind of player that could work well with this team.

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