Phoenix Suns: 3 Free Agents Crucial To Sign Next Offseason

Phoenix Suns 2022 Free Agent Targets: Montrezl Harrell

After winning the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award two seasons ago, Montrezl Harrell collapsed down from his pedestal. He experienced a falling out with the Los Angeles Clippers, and after jumping ship to join the Los Angeles Lakers last year, he grew frustrated with how the team used him. This offseason, the Lakers sent him to the Washington Wizards alongside several other assets to complete the Russell Westbrook trade.

But with his two year deal soon to expire, Harrell becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer. During that time as well, McGee’s contract expires, freeing up Phoenix’s mid-level exception and allowing them to sign Harrell with it.

As someone who plays like an old school power forward, Harrell embodies the perfect option to integrate with Jae Crowder.

While Crowder possesses great shooting touch and mobility, he lacks the size and overall paint presence to sometimes play the four. On the other hand, Harrell lacks a long range shot, but remains incredibly impactful down low. Both these players fill each others gaps at the power forward slot, collectively turning Phoenix’s greatest positional weakness into a strength.

Naturally, this makes Harrell a tailor-made potential addition for the Suns next summer. That also goes without even mentioning his pristine play as a pick-and-role operator, which Phoenix features its entire offense around.

Additionally, passing the mid-level exception from McGee to Harrell fits Phoenix’s timeline perfectly. With Dario Saric likely to return for the 2022-23 season and once again fill out the backup center role behind Ayton, McGee is no longer needed, making him an easy asset to lose.