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Phoenix Suns: Taking a peak at the top ten 2019 free agents

By Dan Volpone

BOSTON - DECEMBER 2: Boston Celtics' Kyrie Irving drives past the Suns' Mike James towards the basket in the third period. The Boston Celtics host the Phoenix Suns in a regular season NBA basketball game at TD Garden in Boston on Dec. 2, 2017. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON - DECEMBER 2: Boston Celtics' Kyrie Irving drives past the Suns' Mike James towards the basket in the third period. The Boston Celtics host the Phoenix Suns in a regular season NBA basketball game at TD Garden in Boston on Dec. 2, 2017. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 03: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks in action against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on November 3, 2017 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Suns 120-107. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 03: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks in action against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on November 3, 2017 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Suns 120-107. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

The younger guys

Karl-Anthony Towns and Kristaps Porzingis are both intriguing options. They’re both just 22, and they’d both be great fits next to Ayton. Unfortunately, both are restricted free agents.

Towns has played center most of his career, but he’s been successful in the time he’s spent at power forward. He and Ayton both have the versatility to make that pairing successful. He’s also a good friend of Devin Booker, his former teammate at Kentucky.

He’s made it clear he’s unhappy in Minnesota, but the Timberwolves have made it equally clear that they have no plans of letting him walk. Unless that changes, Towns isn’t a realistic target for the Phoenix Suns.

Porzingis, on the other hand, has a much better chance of hitting the open market. He’ll miss significant time next season with an ACL injury, and there’s always a chance the dysfunctional Knicks don’t want to commit to him on a max contract.

He’s a natural 7-3 power forward, and he’d be a great fit next to Deandre Ayton. But the Knicks should (and probably will) match any offer thrown his way.

The last guy on the list is Kyrie Irving, the best and most realistic fit of anyone. Irving walking away from Boston is a real possibility, and the scoring power of an Irving-Booker tandem would give other teams nightmares. Last year for the Celtics he was a great leader on a team full of young guys that over-performed in the regular season.

Of course, he comes with questions as well. His defense and effort are questionable at times. He struggles to stay healthy, too. But he’s still only 26, and he’s a perfect fit. He’s also talented enough to make the Suns an instant competitor, especially if they went out and added another All-Star via trade.

Next: Phoenix Suns: Interest in Kawhi Leonard is exciting

This summer may have been a disappointment to some, but the Suns are in perfect position to make a huge splash next year, and there are plenty of intriguing options that could be available. Next summer could be the most exciting time Phoenix basketball has seen in years.

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