Grading Suns' Free Agent Moves Thus Far

The Suns have been very active in the opening hour of free agency; how are the signing stacking up?

The NBA's early free agency window opened yesterday, as players are now legally able to verbally commit to sign contracts with teams. These contracts can't be officially finalized until July 6, but the commitments rarely are abandoned.

The Phoenix Suns wasted no time being active on the market, already reportedly coming to terms with former Trail Blazers PF/C Drew Eubanks, former Spurs forward Keita Bates-Diop, as well as re-signing wings Josh Okogie and Damion Lee. 

The Suns still have three more roster spots to fill out, so keep an eye out for more news in the coming days. Potential targets could include Torrey Craig, Terrence Ross, Josh Richardson, Cory Joseph, Yuta Watanabe, and Kevin Love. 

Disclaimer: The Suns agreed to terms with Yuta Watanabe

However before any more signings are made we will break down the four names that have verbally agreed to sign and grade the moves based off of talent, fit, and projecting ability to fulfill their role in big moments. Value will also be accounted for in the grade as well.

Keita Bates Diop: A

The former Timberwolves and Spurs wing was an absolute steal for Phoenix on paper, agreeing to a two-year, five million dollar deal according to the Athletic's Shams Charania. 

The Ohio State product averaged a career high 9.7 points per contest last season, while also shooting over 39% from three-point range. Diop also stands 6'8" and has a 7'3" wingspan. He is athletic and rangy, and is quite switchable on defense. 

He is a prototypical James Jones plug-and-play player, and it can be assumed that being in a system such as the Suns' can only raise his ceiling as a player.

Damion Lee: B

Bringing Lee back felt like a necessary move. Lee embraced his inconsistent role with Phoenix last season, providing very good shooting and proving to be a solid connector in the offense. He came to play every night even during the rough patches of the season, and bringing him back as a depth piece is a good move.

Drew Eubanks: B-

Eubanks feels like a lateral move from Jock Landale, but Eubanks does likely provide more upside from an athleticism and rim protection standpoint going into next year. This is probably the worst move thus far, but might also have the most upside once this team is back in action come October.

Josh Okogie: B+

There was a fear for some time that Okogie priced himself out of the Valley after just one season, but he struggled mightily in the playoffs and likely has another chance to prove he's worth a long-term contract this coming season. Okogie is still quite possibly the Suns' best point-of-attack defender, while also flashing improved shooting ability and the willingness to put the ball on the deck this past season. Low risk, high reward deal here for Phoenix.

Yuta Watanabe: A

The former Net enjoyed the best season of his career last season, shooting an absurd 51.4% on corner threes according to NBA University. Watanabe shares great chemistry with Kevin Durant and supposedly took a discount to play in Phoenix as well. If he can sustain a comparable level of shooting in an even better situation, this could be a game-changing signing.