The Phoenix Suns pulled off a midseason blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant, but they did not have time to build out the rest of their roster. Phoenix crashed out in the second round of the playoffs for the second straight year, and their lack of depth was a massive issue, especially in the postseason.
The Suns must improve their roster this summer, and they have massive questions to answer. Phoenix has just seven players under contract for next season, but $165.6 million committed in salaries. Will they trade Chris Paul or Deandre Ayton? Who do they get in return? Could the Suns pull off a sign-and-trade to add depth and reconfigure their roster?
The franchise will be hoping they can convince some talented veterans to come to the Valley of the Sun in free agency, and what better players to target than ones familiar with KD?
Potential Phoenix Suns free agent targets with ties to Kevin Durant
12. Reggie Jackson
Chris Paul and Cameron Payne are both on partially guaranteed contracts for next season. CP3 has $15.8 of his $30.8 million set in stone, according to Spotrac, and Payne has just $2 million of $6.5 million. Will Phoenix look to shake things up in the backcourt? They may be able to release Payne and sign someone on a veteran minimum to save a bit of money.
Jackson is a veteran point guard with tons of experience. He played a key role in the Clippers’ 2021 run to the conference finals, including averaging 17.8 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in 32.7 minutes per game during the postseason. Jackson has played in the playoffs for seven years, including playing a minimal bench role in Denver this season.
The 33-year-old spent three and a half years with Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City. The Thunder drafted Jackson 24th overall in 2011, and he backed up Russell Westbrook before being traded to the Pistons at the 2015 deadline.
There were rumors that Reggie Jackson wanted to join the Phoenix Suns after his buyout this season, but he ended up in Denver. Could the 6’2 guard find his way to the desert this summer? Do not rule it out.