The Phoenix Suns have won 12 of their last 15 games to vault to fifth in the Western Conference. Their Big 3 is finally healthy, and the franchise wants to contend for a championship. Despite their limited assets, the Suns acquired Royce O’Neale and David Roddy before the deadline. They shipped out four players in the deal and should be searching for replacements.
With trades done until the offseason, the Suns will have to sign free agents to fill their two open roster spots. The buyout market is a hot topic every year. Players take less money to become free agents and sign with a contender. Phoenix should be looking for rotation pieces, but they cannot sign anyone who made more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception before their buyout because the Suns are over the first tax apron.
They are still ramping up, but the Suns could use another trusted option for Frank Vogel to use off the bench. These players could be bought out and find their way to the Valley of Sun.
6. Thaddeus Young
The 6’8 forward was traded from Toronto to the Nets on deadline day in the Dennis Schroder deal, and Brooklyn is rumored to be waiving him. Young was out of the rotation to begin the season but was re-inserted in early January. Over 15 games, he averaged 6.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in 21.1 minutes per contest.
The Suns are using Kevin Durant at the five, and Young could allow them to play small at all times. He has played 96 percent of his minutes at center this season, according to Basketball-Reference. The 35-year-old does not space the floor, but he can rebound, guard multiple positions, and make plays.
The Phoenix Suns should be searching for role players in the buyout market. Thaddeus Young is comfortable coming off the bench and doing whatever is asked of him, but he is not the only option.