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*Photo via AP
Phoenix Suns , (39-43)- (3rd Pacfic DIvision, 10th Western Conference)
Season Summary:The Phoenix Suns have been a steady threat in the Western Conference the last couple years, they just haven’t been able to get over the hump into the playoffs.At times this season the Suns really clicked with their uptempo style of play, and finished 11th in the league with 102.4 points per game.We saw Eric Bledsoe develop further and a trade late in the year, added more depth to the backcourt with Brandon Knight. The Morris brothers were a key component this year and their success is likely to continue. The Suns showed more progress this year but progress doesn’t translate to playoffs in the Western Conference.
Cap Space: $21,908,681
Free Agents:
Brandon Knight, G. Restricted. (Agreed to 5yr 70mil deal with Phoenix.)
Brandan Wright, C. Unrestricted. (Agreed to 3 yr 17 mil deal, with Memphis.)
Marcus Thornton, SG. Unrestricted
Gerald Green, SF. Unrestricted
Earl Barron, PF. Unrestricted
Will They Stay or Go: Brandon Knight was a no brainer re-signing, and on the first day of free agency they locked him up for five years. Now with Thornton and Green, both are likely to return back to the Suns. Green is more of a priority as he fits the system very well and had another productive year. Barron may be re-signed, either way his playing time isn’t much to speak of.
Team Needs:
Frontcourt - The Suns backcourt is set with Bledsoe and Knight. The Morris twins likely will play the forwards with Marcus Morris coming off the bench. As for the center position, they lack a defensive presence, and as a team they ranked 26th in the league for rebounding. An issue that needs to be addressed to stand a chance in the West.
Bench - There’s always room for improvement on the bench. With one of the Morris brothers coming off the bench there’s still a lack of a creator for the role players. Finding someone who can command the second unit in those valuable minutes could really help the Suns make that added push to a playoff appearance.
Possible Targets:
LaMarcus Aldridge - Aldridge is on his way out of Portland, Aldridge met with the Suns on the first day of free agency,reportedly the meeting went well and the Suns are a serious possibility. Aldridge almost makes the Suns an automatic playoff team in the West. Aldridge gives you rebounding and efficient scoring, two things this young Suns team has been lacking.
Amar’e Stoudemire - Could a reunion be in the making? Stoudemire’s best years were down in Phoenix; an added bonus is the desert has been known to keep careers going a little longer. Stoudemire already has former teammate and friend Chandler recently inked, making this more and more the set up for a homecoming.
*Tyson Chandler earlier on July 1st, signed a four year deal for 52 million with the Suns.