Top 5 offseason targets who could significantly improve Phoenix Suns
The 2023-24 season, which began with so much promise for the Phoenix Suns, ended in massive disappointment. Phoenix swung for the fences by acquiring Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards and forming a new Big Three with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. They ended up getting the broom in the first round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
James Jones, the Suns’ president of basketball operations and general manager, has very little wiggle room to rejigger the roster. Durant, Booker and Beal alone are already in the books for $150.6 million. Add Jusuf Nurkic and Grayson Allen to the payroll and they are already at $184 million, just $5 million below the second apron.
Eric Gordon ($3.3 million), Josh Okogie ($2.9 million), Damion Lee ($2.8 million) and Drew Eubanks ($2.6 million) are also expected to opt in. Jones will have a very tight window to improve the supporting cast around the Phoenix Suns' superstar trio.
Players the Phoenix Suns can target in the offseason
#5 - Goga Bitadze
The Phoenix Suns’ frontline depth was exposed by the Minnesota Timberwolves' imposing frontcourt led by Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid. Not all teams have three 7-footers but the Suns could use a backup behind Jusuf Nurkic. In the series versus the Wolves, Frank Vogel leaned on Drew Eubanks and a little dose of Bol Bol.
Goga Bitadze will be an upgrade over both when it comes to jostling for possession in the increased physicality of the playoffs. Bitadze looked good for the Orlando Magic when Wendell Carter Jr. was injured. In limited minutes he could shore up the Suns’ fragile frontline and he will not be expensive.
#4 Nick Richards
If the Phoenix Suns don’t want another lumbering big man, they can try a trade with the Charlotte Hornets for backup center Nick Richards. To get the deal done, the Suns could offer the expiring contracts of Eric Gordon and Drew Eubanks if they opt in. They may add their 2024 second-round pick to sweeten the offer.
Richards will not have a problem running up and down the court and is a better pick-and-roll defender. He will also offer a vertical threat that Phoenix does not enjoy with Nurkic on the floor. If he fits well around Durant, Booker and Beal, he could end up becoming the starter.