The Phoenix Suns could be in trouble if they do not find a way to fix their roster this summer. Despite the presence of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves after finishing 6th in the Western Conference.
The team lacks shooting, playmaking, and size and these areas need to be addressed this summer to maximize the talents of their Big Three. Assuming Eric Gordon ($3,356,271), Damion Lee ($2,845,342), and Drew Eubanks ($2,654,644) accept their player options and Josh Okogie (rejects $2,956,734 player option) moves on to greener pastures, the Suns can target one of the 10 best free agents in the 2024 offseason.
1. Andre Drummond
2023-24 Season Statistics: 8.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Possible Salary Range: Veteran’s Minimum Deal ($3,313,453)
Andre Drummond remains one of the most formidable rebounders in the league, a skill set the Suns could desperately use. Despite his limited offensive game, Drummond’s ability to clean up the boards and provide second-chance opportunities would be invaluable for a team that struggled with size and physicality last season.
His defensive presence in the paint could also help alleviate some of the burden on Kevin Durant and the slow-footed Jusf Nurkic, allowing them to focus more on their offensive roles. The big man was a monster on the boards, pulling down 9.0 rebounds per game in only 17.2 minutes per game so a larger role could do Drummond well. On a veteran’s minimum deal, Drummond would be a low-risk, high-reward addition.
2. Gordon Hayward
2023-24 Season Statistics: 9.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Possible Salary Range: Veteran’s Minimum Deal ($3,313,453)
The 34-year-old Gordon Hayward may not be the All-Star he once was, but his versatile skill set and veteran savvy make him a valuable potential addition to the Suns. Hayward’s ability to create his own shot, facilitate for others, and play both forward positions would provide much-needed flexibility for Phoenix’s rotation. His experience and basketball IQ could help orchestrate the offense, especially when Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are resting on the bench.
Additionally, Hayward’s presence would provide the Suns with another reliable scoring option. While his numbers have declined and his role with the Thunder this year was not impressive at all (5.3 PPG in 17.2 MPG), his efficient shooting and smart decision-making can contribute significantly on a reduced role.
3. Kyle Lowry
2023-24 Season Statistics: 8.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Possible Salary Range: Veteran’s Minimum Deal ($3,313,453)
Kyle Lowry brings championship pedigree and exceptional playmaking skills, elements from which the Suns could greatly benefit. Known for his toughness and leadership, Lowry’s presence would not only bolster the Suns’ backcourt but also provide invaluable guidance for younger players. Lowry’s presence also means Devin Booker and Bradley Beal do not have to run the offense as point guards as much and can revert to their usual roles.
Despite being in the twilight of his career at 38 years old, Lowry still has the ability to make a significant impact on both ends of the floor. His defensive acumen and tenacity would complement Phoenix’s defensive schemes, while his shooting (39.2% from three) and passing could help spread the floor and create more opportunities for the team’s primary scorers.
4. Robert Covington
2023-24 Season Statistics: 4.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 0.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Possible Salary Range: Veteran’s Minimum Deal ($3,313,453)
Robert Covington is a quintessential 3-and-D player who could address multiple needs for the Suns. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, providing Phoenix with a reliable option to throw at opposing stars. Covington’s ability to knock down three-pointers consistently would help space the floor for Booker, Beal, and Durant, making the offense more dynamic and difficult to defend.
In addition to his on-court contributions, Covington brings a wealth of playoff experience, having been part of four postseason runs with four different teams. Covington’s skill set perfectly fits the Suns’ need for defense and shooting, making him an ideal candidate for a veteran’s minimum contract at 33 years old and coming off a major knee injury.
5. Royce O’Neale
2023-24 Season Statistics: 7.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Possible Salary Range: Veteran’s Minimum Deal ($2,809,042)
The Phoenix Suns would love to bring Royce O’Neale back as he is a free agent. In case O’Neale wants to play for a title contender and alongside some superstar players who will create offense for him, the swingman could return on a minimum deal. The near-31-year-old shot 37.0% from three this season and might be the most consistent perimeter defender on the team.
O’Neale’s capability to knock down open shots and facilitate ball movement would complement the Suns’ star-studded lineup. His experience in high-pressure situations and his ability to make smart plays under duress could be invaluable during critical moments in games and could slot into the starting lineup next year.
6. Daniel Theis
2023-24 Season Statistics: 6.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Possible Salary Range: Veteran’s Minimum Deal ($2,809,042)
Daniel Theis is an experienced big man who has been on quite a few teams in his career, including the title-contending Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers. With a powerful physical base and defensive mindset, Theis can be a perfect addition to the Suns’ roster. In terms of all-around ability, Theis could definitely be an upgrade over any big the Suns had off the bench this season.
Since he has been in the NBA for seven seasons already, he is considered a strong enough veteran to add depth behind Jusuf Nurkic. With the way the Suns’ salary cap is tied, they can do a lot worse than adding Theis to shore up their bench. It is also worth noting that the big man shot over 36% from three this season so he can add a little bit of floor spacing.
7. Killian Hayes
2023-24 Season Statistics: 6.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Possible Salary Range: Minimum Deal ($2,244,249)
Killian Hayes is a young, promising guard who could provide a spark off the bench for the Suns. Known for his playmaking and defensive skills, Hayes has the potential to develop into a reliable contributor. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates and his defensive tenacity would address some of the Suns’ needs in the backcourt. At just 22 years old, Hayes represents a low-cost investment with significant upside.
While his shooting remains a work in progress (29.7% from three this season), Hayes’ court vision and ability to run the offense could be beneficial in managing the second unit. His youth and potential for growth make him an intriguing option for a team looking to build for both the present and future. A minimum deal would allow the Suns to take a chance on Hayes without compromising their financial flexibility and the point guard could get a chance to prove he can be an impact point guard in the NBA.
8. Spencer Dinwiddie
2023-24 Season Statistics: 10.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Possible Salary Range: Veteran’s Minimum Deal ($3,313,453)
Spencer Dinwiddie brings a scoring punch and playmaking ability that could greatly benefit the Suns’ bench unit. Known for his ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others, Dinwiddie would provide much-needed offensive versatility. In over 28 minutes per game, Dinwiddie put up decent numbers this year.
On a veteran’s minimum deal, Dinwiddie offers a combination of scoring, playmaking, and defense that addresses several of the Suns’ key needs. At 31 years old with some concerning injuries in his career, Dinwiddie would be willing to take a veteran’s minimum deal to play alongside some of the best offensive players in the NBA.
9. Mason Plumlee
2023-24 Season Statistics: 5.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Possible Salary Range: Veteran’s Minimum Deal ($3,313,453)
Mason Plumlee is a solid, reliable big man who could provide the Suns with much-needed depth in the frontcourt. Known for his rebounding and interior defense, Plumlee’s presence would help address the Suns’ issues with size and physicality. His ability to set screens and facilitate from the high post would also add a new dimension to the Suns’ offense, creating more opportunities for their perimeter scorers.
Plumlee’s potential team-friendly deal offers a low-risk option to bolster the Suns’ frontcourt depth and improve their overall team dynamics. The big man can start games if needed but could add some backup to Jusuf Nurkic as a rim-runner, defender, and team player. The question is: would Mason Plumlee reject a chance to stay in Los Angeles on a minimum deal to be in Phoenix?
10. Justin Holiday
2023-24 Season Statistics: 4.0 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Possible Salary Range: Veteran’s Minimum Deal ($3,313,453)
Justin Holiday is a seasoned veteran known for his defensive versatility and three-point shooting. His ability to guard multiple positions and knock down open shots makes him a valuable 3-and-D option for the Suns. Holiday’s experience in various roles throughout his career allows him to adapt quickly and contribute in different situations, making him a reliable option off the bench.
Holiday’s championship experience and leadership qualities would be beneficial for a Suns team looking to make a deep playoff run. The 35-year-old’s ability to stay ready and perform in high-pressure situations adds depth and reliability to the roster. On a veteran’s minimum deal, Holiday’s defensive prowess and shooting ability make him a cost-effective addition to the Suns’ bench.
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