Phoenix Suns: Dario Saric vs. 2020 free agent power forwards

Power forward options the Phoenix Suns should DEFINITELY consider

Dario Saric: Dario Saric (6’10” / 225 pounds) is 26 years old and during the last part of the season proved to me that he can hit the same averages as he did in Philly, which are very solid.  The Suns need a power forward that can help on defense, rebounds, and doesn’t have to have the ball but can score. As I have shown, to this point there aren’t any power forwards that are worth $15 million to $20 million a season that don’t have other deficiencies. If the Suns can’t get my last choice, then they should try to keep Dario and start Cameron Johnson.

Free-agent contract projection for Saric: $8 million to $10 million.

Serge Ibaka: Serge Ibaka (7’0″ / 235 pounds) turned 31 years old this season and averaged 17 points and 10.1 rebounds and is shooting 40 percent from three. With a three-year deal (team option third) at $15 million per year, with his defense, he would take the forward position to the next level for this Phoenix Suns team and would be an excellent backup center.

Serge Ibaka would bring to the Suns more things that they don’t have, playoff experience, and a championship mentality.

Free-agent contract projection:  $15 million to $18 million

Dario Saric (Philly season, based on last 12 games, projection)

• Season: 14.6 points, 47 field goal percent, 37 percent from deep and 6.2 rebounds.  ($8 million to $10 million)

Serge Ibaka

• Season:  17 points / 48.9 field goal percentage / 40 percent from 3-point / 10.1 rebounds.

To conclude, signing Serge Ibaka, keeping Dario Saric, and having Cameron Johnson learning from a champion would give the Phoenix Suns a very strong playoff team next season.