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The Phoenix Suns have a challenging offseason ahead of them following a brutal sweep. Despite having a big three, the Suns were dominated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, and now enter NBA free agency without a ton of flexibility.
The Suns are in a challenging position because of the contracts of their big three. The trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal will take up most of their cap space.
Phoenix was able to extend Grayson Allen on a four-year $70 million deal after a great season. Allen averaged 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and three assists while shooting 46.1 percent from three. Retaining Allen keeps a valuable two-way wing on a roster that is limited in making moves.
The rest of the roster under contract will include Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, and David Roddy. Eric Gordon, Josh Okogie, Damion Lee, and Drew Eubanks could all return, as they have player options.
Outside of that, Phoenix will have to look to free agency for players on minimum deals. The Suns are also deciding whether to keep Frank Vogel as their head coach or fire him.
With that in mind, here are three early Suns NBA free agency targets in the 2024 offseason after their brutal sweep.
Kyle Lowry
One thing that the Suns lacked on their roster was a true point guard. The starting backcourt of Booker and Beal is unlikely to change, but having a true point guard off the bench could be impactful.
Lowry is a veteran guard who is still playing well. He is still a quality defender, and while he isn’t the scorer he once was, that’s not what the Suns need.
The 38-year-old averaged 8.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and a steal per game in 60 games this season. He shot 43.2 percent from the floor and 39.2 percent from behind the arc.
Lowry could earn more than a minimum, but if he is looking for a significant role, Phoenix could offer him that. Despite Lowry’s age, he should be considered by the Suns as they are in a win-now scenario.
Kris Dunn
The Suns should consider signing Kris Dunn, a defensive guard who is a great defender at the guard position and has improved his efficiency from deep over the past two years.
Dunn appeared in 66 games for the Jazz this season, averaging 5.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and a steal per game. He shot 36.9 percent from downtown this season after shooting 47.2 percent last season.
The 30-year-old is a former lottery pick who has found his role as a defensive guard with solid playmaking and shooting. The Suns are in need of players like this as their roster is filled with offensive-first players. Dunn could be an important rotational piece off the bench if Phoenix signs him.
Torrey Craig
Torrey Craig is another veteran for whom the Suns should be in the mix. Craig has had two stints with Phoenix and played his role well.
Craig appeared in 53 games this season with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 5.7 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 43 percent from the field and 39.2 percent from three.
The 33-year-old still plays his role well on both ends of the floor. If Craig is willing to return to the Suns for a third time, he could be a significant contributor off the bench.
Phoenix’s front office has perhaps the most challenging offseason of any team in the league. They have to upgrade their roster around their big three while only being able to offer cheap contracts. Lowry, Dunn, and Craig could play impactful roles around the big three if they are able to land them.
More must-reads:
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