Complete 2018 NBA Free Agency primer for OKC Thunder and all 30 teams
Phoenix Suns:
Free Agents:
- Alex Len (UFA)
- Elfrid Payton (RFA)
- Danuel House (RFA – 2-way FA)
- Alec Peters (RFA – 2-way FA)
Team Profile and Ranking:
Key Ranking Stats to end season:
- Offense: 30th (100.5)
- Defense: 30th (110.7)
- Net: 30th (negative -10.2)
NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 30th
ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 26th
Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 250 to 1
Committed Salary: $78,421,308.00 as of June 29th
Average attendance: 16,866
Attendance rank: 23rd
Arena: Talking Stick Resort Arena
Management:
- General Manager: Ryan McDonough – 2013
- Head Coach: Igor Kokoškov – 2018 (replaces interim coach Jay Triano who subbed in for fired coach Earl Watson)
Salary Profile:
The Suns hit the moratorium with one partially guaranteed contract (Davon Reed – $1,378,242) and three players with non-guaranteed salaries: Alan Williams ($5,520,000), Tyler Ulis ($1,544,951) and Shaquille Harrison ($1,378,242). These contracts will give the Suns flexibility should they elect to pursue free agents and not extend an offer or release them outright.
UPDATE: Suns waived Tyler Ulis – June 30th
Phoenix has the bi-annual ($3.4 M) and the non-tax midlevel ($8.6) exceptions at their disposal.
| Sala | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Age | 2018-19 | Signed Using | Guaranteed |
| Brandon Knight | 26 | $14,631,250 | $43,893,750 | |
| Tyson Chandler | 35 | $13,585,000 | Cap Space | $26,585,000 |
| Jared Dudley | 32 | $9,530,000 | Cap Space | $19,530,000 |
| Alan Williams | 25 | $5,520,000 | Cap space | $6,000,000 |
| Josh Jackson | 21 | $6,041,520 | 1st Round Pick | $11,131,560 |
| Dragan Bender | 20 | $4,661,280 | 1st Round pick | $9,130,080 |
| Troy Daniels | 26 | $3,258,540 | Cap Space | $6,667,060 |
| T.J. Warren | 24 | $11,750,000 | 1st Round Pick | $50,152,931 |
| Marquese Chriss | 20 | $3,206,160 | 1st Rd pick | $6,279,960 |
| Devin Booker | 21 | $3,314,365 | 1st round pick | $5,633,725 |
| Tyler Ulis | 22 | $1,544,951 | Cap Space | $1,312,611 |
| Davon Reed | 23 | $1,378,242 | Minimum Salary | $1,504,736 |
| Team Totals | $78,421,308 | $215,024,548 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/29/2018.
Draft 2018:
Round 1:
With the1st pick, the Suns selected Arizona center Deandre Ayton
Rookie Profile: Deandre Ayton has the skill-set to be the next generational big man
With the 10th pick, the Suns (from Lakers via 76ers) selected Villanova guard/forward Mikal Bridges
Rookie Profile: Mikal Bridges prospect profile: A bridge to success
Round 2:
With the 31st pick, the Suns selected French guard Elie Okobo
Rookie Profile: Frenchman Elie Okobo could be the hidden gem in this class
With the 59th pick, the Suns (from Raptors) selected Colorado forward, George King
Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:
Uncertainty looms over the Suns who made a risky move in the draft to give away a future first-round pick which could coincide with the first season high school players could re-enter the draft.
That leaves questions on whether they’ll go full bore into free agency looking to add some wily vets and nab a star talent to pair with all their promising youngsters.
As Phoenix continues to load up on salary cap space, Suns are waiving point guard Tyler Ulis, league sources tell ESPN. Ulis, 22, will join the free agent market upon clearing waivers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2018
As per the above Woj tweet, it tends to suggest the Suns plan to gun for a quality free agent. On the positive side, there is depth at every position except the point. And now with them cutting Ulis, the signs would seem to suggest a point guard will be their desired free agent target. Could they be gunning for someone in particular? Kemba Walker? Kyle Lowry?
On the negative side, all of the talent is extremely young. Can they play with an immediacy without a few vets there to help lead the way? And, can Phoenix wait for Okobo to ascend into the starting point position? With the updated news on Ulis, that answer would appear to be no on all counts and I would expect to see a point guard be the Suns’ main focus.