3 players from the NBA Finals who could be realistic targets for the Suns next year
By Luke Duffy
3 players from NBA Finals who could be realistic targets for Suns next year.
2. Christian Braun
Continuing the trend of Nuggets players who have not been a big part of their postseason success, and rookie Christian Braun falls into that category. Unlike Bryant however, Christian Braun has played 14 times so far in the playoffs, playing just shy of 12 minutes per game on each occasion.
It is clear head coach Mike Malone trusts Braun to come in and make a couple of shots, before departing again for the rest of the game. Equally as clear though is the fact Braun right now is not a good defender, who is easily outmuscled and brushed aside when bigger players are making moves to the basket.
It is unclear what the Nuggets have in mind with Braun, but the Suns should pick up the phone and test their willingness to hold onto him. The Nuggets are going to be contenders for the next half decade, and that is not the kind of place for a young player to try and make a name for themselves.
The Suns are also in contention, but don’t have the loaded roster the Nuggets do to try and get over the hump. So the idea of adding a player on a rookie deal would appeal to the front office when trying to make the money work. In terms of on court production, Braun would be an excellent spot up shooter next to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
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There can be no better feeling than playing with Jokic and knowing that he will always find you if you’re open. But sharing the court with Booker and Durant, who demand so much attention from opponents, wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize. Braun shot 35.4 percent from deep during the regular season, although he took less than two attempts per night.
The Suns have Terrence Ross, T.J. Warren and Torrey Craig coming off the books this summer. Landry Shamet is under contract for three more years, and although he had some moments during the postseason, the Suns would move the remaining $33 million or so they owe him if they could. Braun would be a cheap player to add to their rotation who looks like he will only get better.