Suns Viewed as Premier Free Agency Destination

The Phoenix Suns - despite being up against the luxury tax - are sure to attract a strong number of players in free agency.

It's nearly time for NBA free agency to unofficially begin, and the Phoenix Suns have already made a handful of moves. 

Yesterday, the Suns picked up the $1.9 million option for Ish Wainright before extending qualifying offers to Jock Landale and Saben Lee this morning, as first reported by Spotrac's Keith Smith. 

Darius Bazley has not been tendered, at least not at the time of publish for this piece.

Phoenix has very little wiggle room to operate in terms of cap space, as their top four earners in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Deandre Ayton combine for $162 million against the salary cap. 

With the luxury tax not allowing for anything more than vet minimum contracts for most players in free agency, the Suns will be forced to count of talented players looking to take a discount.

Arizona Sports' John Gamabadoro says Phoenix has teams around the league concerned they'll attract top players. 

“There’s a concern from other teams that everybody is going to go to Phoenix before anywhere else, because of playing time. A chance to win and playing time," Gambo said (h/t Evan Sidery):

The Suns are viewed around the league as the premier destination for ring-chasing veterans this offseason, per @Gambo987 (https://t.co/73423JQ5qD):

“There’s a concern from other teams that everybody is going to go to Phoenix before anywhere else, because of playing time. A… pic.twitter.com/Sl95bviUdW

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 26, 2023

Top players such as James Harden and Kyrie Irving are perhaps out of the realm of possibility, though the Suns could perhaps convince others beneath them to land in the Valley. 

One of the names floated for Phoenix has been Yuta Watanabe, who was recently pinpointed by The Athletic as a target for the Suns.

"Watanabe had a breakout year in Brooklyn, shooting 44.4 percent from 3, but the Nets’ crowd at the forward position makes it seem unlikely he’s back. A solid defender with a limited offensive repertoire beyond the catch-and-shoot game, Watanabe would be a good pickup as a fourth forward who can fill in at either spot, although he’s probably more comfortable at the three," wrote John Hollinger. 

NBA insider Marc Stein reported today that Watanabe and Mike James were on the radar in Phoenix. 

After momentarily keeping Ayton around rather than dealing him for more depth on the roster, the Suns appear confident they'll attract plenty of cheap talent on the open market.