The best free agent addition for each of the Phoenix Suns’ Pacific rivals
Top Free Agent addition for Phoenix Suns’ Pacific rivals – Los Angeles Lakers
It’s fair to say the Lakers once again had an underwhelming free agency period, even if their overall strategy was vastly improved. Rather than top up with big name experienced veterans well past their primes, the franchise altered into acquiring younger, more versatile options still on the rise.
One of those is the signing of former Washington Wizards center Thomas Bryant to a one-year, minimum deal. An ACL injury has limited the 6’10” big man to just 37 games across the last two seasons, but prior to that, Bryant was developing into a serviceable starting center.
In the 2019-20 season, the 24-year-old averaged 13.2 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting an incredibly efficient 58.1% from the floor and 40.7% from three-point range. While he himself may not have a massive impact, his presence could be a bonus for superstar teammate Anthony Davis.
Davis clearly prefers to play power-forward, however the roster construction around him, along with his own shooting struggles, has made that almost untenable. Put simply, the Lakers can’t afford to play another non-shooting big man next to Davis and Russell Westbrook.
Bryant, if he can rediscover some form, could present as a stretch big that allows Davis to play a far greater portion of time at the four. That could ultimately provide a far greater balance for the Lakers and make them a much more dangerous proposition.
Top Free Agent addition for Phoenix Suns’ Pacific rivals – Golden State Warriors
Just when teams thought the Warriors were dealt a major blow by losing Gary Payton II to the Portland Trail Blazers, the NBA champions went and signed a worthy replacement in Donte DiVincenzo.
After being a reliably productive starter for the Milwaukee Bucks during their championship-winning 2020-21 season, DiVincenzo has battled somewhat with injury. This led to him being traded to the Kings midway through last season, providing him a stretch to rediscover some of his best form.
The 25-year-old averaged 10.3 points, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals in 25 games with the Kings, shooting an efficient 36.8% from three-point range. Given those numbers and potential development still within him, the two-year, $9.3 million contract seems incredible value for the Warriors.
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He may not be a lockdown harasser like Payton, but DiVincenzo is a more than capable defender whose shooting and playmaking abilities make him a far greater offensive threat. While he won’t necessarily blow opposition teams away, DiVincenzo appears like a perfect fit in the Warriors niche system.