Valley of the Suns
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Look forward to 2019 free agency, Suns fans

By Zachary Spiecker

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 8: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls during a game at the United Center on December 8, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 8: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls during a game at the United Center on December 8, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After what has been an uneventful free agency period for the Phoenix Suns, fans have been left wanting more. Luckily, thanks to a star studded 2019 free agency class and loads of cap space, Suns fans don’t have to feel bad when they say “There’s always next year.”

The Suns haven’t landed a major free agent in years, but there is good reason to believe that that can change as early as next year. Superstars such as Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving all highlight the ridiculous 2019 free agent class.

The Suns could, and should, make a run at one of those four guys.

Leonard and Thompson are both probably off the table. Kawhi has been looking at the city of Los Angeles with heart-emoji eyes for the past year, so expect him to be a Laker or a Clipper. And Klay has expressed immense desire to stay in Golden State and win more championships. The only way we could see him move is if the Warriors decide he isn’t worth his asking price – not likely.

Then there is Jimmy Butler and Kyrie Irving. Rumors have surfaced that say the two of them want to pair up on an Eastern Conference team. If that’s true, then the Suns should probably hold off on offering a max contract and look more at the less-than-A-lister’s like Kemba Walker, Terry Rozier or Khris Middleton. But, if Jimmy or Kyrie don’t end up playing together, those are your guys.

Jimmy Butler has remained underrated despite being arguably the hardest worker in basketball,a consistent all-star threat. Imagine how good he could be if he wasn’t being played 42 minutes a game in Minnesota. Pair him with Devin Booker, another superstar, and you have a lethal scoring combo that are both only going to get better as time goes on.

Signing Butler would create an excessive logjam at the small forward position, but either trading T.J. Warren or even Josh Jackson for a high-level point guard could alleviate that concern, finalizing the Suns’ rise to contention.

Then there’s Kyrie Irving. The show-stopping point guard hasn’t seemed to fit into either of his situations in Cleveland or in Boston. There have been reports saying that Kyrie has minimal interest in staying in Boston – something I find hard to believe. But if that is true, he could be the point guard that brings the Suns back to relevancy.

Next: How the Phoenix Suns can survive the Warriors' era

Kyrie and Booker would instantly become a top-three backcourt and would probably be the best offensive backcourt in basketball. The two of them could combine for 50 points per game without breaking a sweat. Put that backcourt with Deandre Ayton in the paint, Bridges and Jackson on the wings, and a bench with more talent, and you have a solid playoff team that will have plenty of room to grow.

Of course, the Suns could still lack the attraction of a city like New York or Los Angeles but, if things work out, the Suns look like they’ll have one of the most attractive rosters in basketball.

Free agents looking to win, and win for a while, would be smart to give the Phoenix Suns a look.

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