Valley of the Suns
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Today’s opt-in deadline affects Suns free agency

By Dan Volpone

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers boxes out against Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns on February 22, 2016 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers boxes out against Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns on February 22, 2016 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Friday is the NBA’s opt-in deadline. That means the Phoenix Suns will have a much better idea of potential free agent targets by midnight.

LeBron James has already opted out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he’ll officially become a free agent when June turns to July. Unfortunately, the chances of him coming to Phoenix are incalculably low. But there are still plenty of other players to keep an eye on throughout the day.

One might-be free agent to watch for is Enes Kanter from the New York Knicks. Last season, he averaged a double-double and an impressive PER. Valley of the Suns recently took a look at how someone like Kanter might be beneficial to the Suns.

As of right now, nothing regarding Kanter’s decision is official. Shams Charania tweeted that Kanter will exercise his option, thus returning to the Knicks. However, Kanter quote tweeted Shams to make it clear he hasn’t yet decided if he will return or hit free agency.

Sacramento Kings’ guard Garrett Temple also has a player option for this summer. If he chooses to decline, the Suns could look his way in free agency to fill their void at guard. While Temple is a two guard as opposed to a point guard, he would bring a veteran presence that the Suns seem to be looking for this July.

Joffrey Lauvergne has decided to opt out on his contract with the Spurs, and he could be a young power forward option for the Suns. Unfortunately, he doesn’t shoot the three particularly well, so barring a significant improvement there he wouldn’t be a three and D bench option.

DeAndre Jordan could be one of the biggest names in free agency if he chooses to opt out. And if he opts in, it appears the Clippers will look to move him to start their rebuild. While it’s unlikely the Phoenix Suns would choose to pursue Jordan, they could be a third team helping facilitate a potential trade, picking up another asset along the way.

Next: Five more free agents PF’s for the Phoenix Suns

Friday’s opt-in deadline gives Suns fans plenty to watch for. It’s an exciting lead up to the official start of the free agency moratorium period that’s just a day away.

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