The Phoenix Suns had themselves a nice offseason that flew under the radar, adding some rookies and an actual point guard who can play in the NBA in Monte Morris. The addition of Mason Plumlee is a clear upgrade over Drew Eubanks, while everybody seemed happy to have Bol Bol back doing Bol Bol things for another year.
In a lot of ways though, it is the moves the Suns didn't make that could come to define their season. A franchise in their position - miles into the second apron - could have panicked and signed any player who would take a call from them. Losing Eric Gordon made the roster construction even more difficult as well.
But in staying the course and not going after any of these three players, the Suns ensured their already thin roster didn't take a step back.
All of these players are going to appear in the league next season - but as we will see soon after they take to the court again - Suns fans can be relieved that their front office didn't take a swing on any of them. Especially when a couple also play in a position of need for the franchise.
3. Gordon Hayward
It is obvious that Gordon Hayward's best days in the league are now a long way behind him. It is both telling and also kind of sad that he's yet to be picked up elsewhere, and that the Oklahoma City Thunder couldn't find a role for him after bringing him in at the deadline in 2023-24.
Jazz fans hater goggles sometimes ignore how good All-Star Gordon Hayward was
— Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) July 22, 2024
Do it all forward, passing, defending, shooting, and creating for himself
Obviously don't love how it ended, but he was really good pic.twitter.com/1qhBErKzPE
The Thunder are young, deep and dangerous - but if Hayward is not good enough for them - then the Suns are right to steer clear too. The prospect of Hayward adding some veteran leadership and shot-making for a young roster like the Thunder actually made a lot of sense, so you can't blame them for trying it out.
But with the Suns struggling to take care of the ball last season - and really to look interested on a lot of nights - the last thing their rotation needed was another older head whose body is breaking down. Better to go with rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, and see if their enthusiasm can carry them through stretches of the regular season.