The Phoenix Suns always said they were going to run it back with the group they have for next seasons, and their actions in the opening weeks of the offseason backed that up.
They resisted bigger moves such as talking themselves into Ja Morant or even Aaron Gordon, although they did find their own version of the latter through the first round of the NBA Draft.
Jonathan Isaac and Keon Ellis would have been perfect in Phoenix
But as other dominos fall around the league, did the Suns play their hand too quickly with intriguing alternatives coming on the market? The first of which is Jonathan Isaac, who was just waived by the Orlando Magic and at this point should be available to sign to the veteran minimum.
For those who argue that Mark Williams is the often-injured big man that this franchise has tied their wagon to, Issac's on court numbers in small bursts have him pegged as literally the best defender in the entire league. Taking him for 12 minutes a night in a Jordan Ott system would have been amazing to see unfold.
Then there is Keon Ellis, who admittedly is still a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers but all signs point towards Dean Wade being brought back to that franchise at the expense of the 26-year-old.
Fitting him into the roster in Phoenix would have been more difficult, the front office returning both Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin. But he is clearly a rotation level player who could flourish in a different situation.
Bringing Gillespie back was a no-brainer, but the Suns have left Goodwin go in the past. Was the time to do so now so that Ellis could be brought in? We'll never know, although the organization does still have a couple of moves they can make to free up a roster spot.
Dumping Royce O'Neale for a second round pick would be ideal, but that doesn't look likely at this point. Haywood Highsmith is also still knocking around, and although injuries limited his impact when he came over at the trade deadline after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets.
Perhaps the Suns believe he can slot into the back end of the rotation, but it would have been interesting to see Ellis or more likely Isaac come to The Valley. Owner Mat Ishbia has preached getting better around the fringes and building a winning roster long-term, and the pair would have been ideal stepping stones to making that happen.
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