The Woj bombs have detonated and the dust has settled. The Windhorst memes have circulated and we finally know what’s going on in Utah. But even though the 2022 NBA free agent frenzy’s swan song has already started, a few notes still need to be played, of course involving the Phoenix Suns.
Now, any Phoenix fan hearing about an equation involving their team and a mysterious offseason addition will likely answer it with one solitary name—Kevin Durant. Ever since the star forward requested a trade and listed the Suns as a favored destination, there’s been no shortage of mock deals and potential “leverage” pulls flowing throughout the media.
However, Durant remains under contract for this summer, as well as the next four. Phoenix also committing $132 million to Deandre Ayton this week and making him unable to trade until at least mid-January only further complicates things.
But as that situation runs its course, other options to improve exist out there. There’s more fish in the sea for the Suns, ones that are far less expensive, fix more immediate needs, and will be easier to reel in.
Hailing from the free agent market rather than the trade block like Durant, these players only need to put pen to paper to land with the Suns. With nearly every other big name free agent already signed as well, most offer sheets will likely only include the veteran’s minimum salary.
With that in mind, James Jones and company will want to sweep up these lingering hoopers before anyone else does.