Pacific 2019 NBA Free Agency Primer: Division in greatest flux
Phoenix Suns
Situation Entering Offseason:
Although the Suns failed to capitalize on the Zion sweepstakes the more disconcerting situation in Phoenix was how they managed the draft. Both Cameron Johnson and Ty Jerome can shoot but they were both selected way above their ranking. That would indicate new G.M James Jones is intent on finding shooters (hmm — Jones was a shooter too) to fill the roster.
The reality is they need a starting level point guard and even with some quality prospects still on the board when they selected Cam Johnson, Jones elected for shooting. Moreover, why Jones would trade out of the sixth position when he could’ve nabbed Coby White is a move the Bulls will reap the reward from. Granted, the Suns can add an existing NBA talent and perhaps they’ve got a beat on D’Angelo Russell. Still, it feels like a huge opportunity lost.
One great move the Suns made was adding big man Aron Baynes who seemingly the Celtics let go in order to clear cap space for Kemba Walker. He’ll add a solid locker room voice and grit to the Suns but this young squad needs more vets who can help get Phoenix to take a step up the ladder instead of being a perennial lottery team.
Salary:
Cap Space: $ (5,937,435.00)
Floor Space: $ (11,017,316.00)
Max Space: $ 27,260,906.00
Projected Space: $ 14,093,450.00
*as per Keith Smith of Real GM
Key free agents to re-sign
There are conflicting stories out in the universe regarding D’Angelo Russell and the Suns interest. Booker is best friends with the point guard and is the one leading the push to grab him in free agency. The fact Jones traded TJ Warren may have been the first domino to fall in an effort to move in that direction.
The conflicting side has the Suns giving Kelly Oubre a qualifying offer which might remove them from the equation in terms of having enough cap to sign Russell (who they’ve also reportedly stated they aren’t interested in). It could all be smoke and mirrors but for the Suns to take a step up they need a starting caliber point guard. Another season spent relying too heavily on Booker to do too much won’t bode well long term, so something has got to give!
2019 Roster Depth:
- DeAndre Ayton
- Aron Baynes (received in trade from Celtics)
- Devin Booker
- Mikal Bridges
- Josh Jackson
- Tyler Johnson
- De’Anthony Melton
- Elie Okobo
- Dario Saric (received in trade on draft night)
Draft Picks:
- Cameron Johnson
- Ty Jerome
Trades:
- T.J. Warren traded to Pacers draft night
2019 free agents
Kelly Oubre Jr. (Suns extend qualifying offer)
Troy Daniels
Jamal Crawford
Dragan Bender
Richaun Holmes
George King (Restricted)
Tyler Johnson (Opted in)
Jimmer Fredette (waived, will play Summer League for Warriors)
Ray Spalding (Suns declined qualifying offer)
2020 free agents
De’Anthony Melton (Restricted)