The Phoenix Suns are primed for title contention this season after retooling their roster. They proved it on opening night by defeating the Golden State Warriors without Bradley Beal. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are two of the top ten players in the world, and the Suns offense will be unstoppable when healthy. The franchise still has questions to answer, though.
Depth is their biggest concern. They filled in with minimum players this summer after trading for Beal. The Suns improved their depth by dealing Deandre Ayton, but they are still thin at multiple positions. They have five second-round picks to move in a trade, but won’t have the buyout market.
Phoenix can sign a player making under the taxpayer mid-level exception who gets let go. They will likely be looking for similar players in trades given their lack of tradeable assets. The Suns could try to acquire these underrated options making less than $12.4 million this season.
6. Dennis Smith Jr.
Devin Booker ran the point for the Suns on opening night, and the three-time All-Star is an underrated playmaker. Do not be surprised to see him average over seven assists per game this season, but Phoenix lacks a true point guard on their roster. Jordan Goodwin played the backup minutes in game one, but he is far from a trusted playoff option.
The Suns would love to add some defense and playmaking in the backcourt. Dennis Smith Jr. was nearly out of the league at one point, but his defense took a massive leap last season in Charlotte. The 6’2 guard always had playmaking chops, but the transformation from subpar to adequate on D makes him much more intriguing.
DSJ joined the Nets on a one-year minimum deal this summer. If Brooklyn struggles, Smith Jr. could be on the trade block or waived. The Suns should be interested in the point guard if he becomes available. Dennis Smith Jr. has his flaws, but he could give Phoenix the playmaking spark they need off the bench.