5 Phoenix Suns goals for free agency

By Dan Volpone | Jun 28, 2018

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 26: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Elfrid Payton #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 26, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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Find a stretch four

The Suns are in the market for a stretch four. Putting someone next to Ayton who can shoot, rebound, and defend out to the perimeter is a logical fit, but players like that aren’t necessarily easy to find.

The Suns have two in-house options in Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss, but neither has shown the play to give the team confidence going forward. With that in mind, the Suns will probably look into options at the stretch four this summer.

Unfortunately, bringing in a stretch four has much larger implications than just signing a player. It would likely mean giving up on Bender and Chriss by giving their minutes to someone with a similar style of play. And it would probably push Mikal Bridges to the bench, giving him less time with his long-term running mates.

The Suns would benefit immediately from bringing in a stretch four, and it would give them great versatility in lineups. They could go small, leaving Deandre Ayton on the bench and having the stretch four play the five spot. Or they could go big with Jackson or Bridges on the bench. Either way, it allows the team to matchup with almost anyone.

That being said, the Phoenix Suns should be looking for an established bench player to fill the role of stretch four, not someone who will eat away at Josh Jackson and Bridges’ minutes.

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