PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns’ biggest need this free agency period is a playmaking point guard. After losing last year’s starting point guard in Tyus Jones, the franchise is stuck looking for a replacement to lead the offense. The options are limited with the teams current cap situation. However, a blessing might’ve fallen on general manager Brian Gregory’s lap in the form of nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, who was shockingly waived by the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.
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Mar 17, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives against Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Why the Suns should target Lillard:
Bucks general manager Jon Horst waived Lillard to make room to sign Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner in free agency. While Turner is a stellar player, but he doesn’t compare to seven-time All-NBA player. Lillard is coming of an Achilles tear in the first round of last year’s playoffs against the Pacers but has all the tools to bounce back stronger.
Oct 2, 2023; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Damian Lillard (0) pose for a picture during media day in Milwaukee. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
For the past decade, Lillard has averaged 24+ points and 6.0 assists. The 34-year-old has had a relatively healthy career before the Achilles tear, playing over 58 games every year expect one. The injuries have piled up recently, with Lillard playing in 218 out of 328 games the past four seasons. Regardless, Lillard is one of the greatest shooters of all time and is a spark plug for any offense.
The Suns are in need of another All-Star to pair with superstar Devin Booker after the departure of Kevin Durant. A Lillard-Booker backcourt would easily be one of the best in the league and carry the team to new offensive heights. Unsurprisingly, Lillard has a lot of interest from dozens of NBA teams, but if Phoenix is able to land them, it could be the saving grace the franchise needs for the future.
Should the Suns follow suit with Bucks after waiving Lillard with Beal?
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
