5 reasons the Phoenix Suns were prudent in not re-signing Dario Saric

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Dario Saric Phoenix Suns (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Phoenix Suns will still own his rights next summer

Do not forget: Dario Saric will be a restricted free agent in the summer of 2020 following this upcoming season.

This means, of course, that they can match any offer from an outside team and retain his services even though they did not extend him early.

He very much could be one of James Jones’ guys who he wants to be a part of the core for a long time coming.

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That would of course be absolutely awesome if true, especially if his 3-point shooting is the kind of asset in the projected up-tempo offense that it is expected to be.

Of course, like Joe Johnson, if he has a breakout season, averages around 16 points per game, 40.0% from 3, plays 75+ games, and looks like a solid all-around player, he is going to cost more in restricted free agency than he would have cost with an early extension.

Although he and his agent may have projected just that, which might be why he wasn’t extended anyway (who knows if Jones did offer a decent extension but that Saric believes he can play himself into a better deal).

Then again, if he is that good, then he will be worth whatever the market demands of him (presuming that he doesn’t have some sort of a greater-than-expected offer from another team).

If he is to be a part of the future, and he is a really good power forward, then the Phoenix Suns will get what they pay for, which will be a core piece who will hopefully help lead the franchise into the playoffs for many years to come.

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