The 2024 NBA Draft is just two days away and NBA free agency begins in under a week (June 30).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Phoenix Suns will have a chance to address some glaring roster needs through both of these avenues. Phoenix will be picking at No. 22 overall on Wednesday and can trade the pick beginning on draft day.
According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, the Suns will be looking to fill three roster holes this offseason: a point guard who can play more than 20 minutes per game, a backup big upgrade and a young, athletic wing.
Several of the latest mock drafts and intel have the Suns taking Marquette point guard Tyler Kolek to address one of these needs. However, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony picked the Suns to go a different route in his latest mock draft.
Givony has the Suns selecting Virginia forward Ryan Dunn at No. 22 and signing a point guard in free agency. He also added that trading back is a possibility for Phoenix, as has been reported by Yahoo.
Givony writes:
“(Ryan) Dunn is said to be gaining steam in this range of the draft after a slew of outstanding workouts this month propelled him firmly into the first round. Several teams have said Dunn exceeded expectations with his shooting while also doing some absolutely mesmerizing things defensively in guarding point guards through centers in group settings.
“Chicago, Toronto and the New York Knicks are others that rival teams indicate could be high on him.
“The Suns might look more to free agency to explore adding a point guard to their roster, with Kris Dunn (not related) one potential option that rival teams expect them to look at. Trading back to resupply their depleted stockpile of assets (especially future picks) is another option the Suns’ front office is said to be considering, due to the severely limited mechanics the team has to add talent with the punitive new second-apron rules that go into effect this summer.”
Ryan Dunn worked out for Phoenix last week, according to multiple reports. The 6-foot-8 Dunn only averaged 8.1 points and shot 20% from 3 last season with the Cavaliers, but is arguably the best defender in the draft with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and his athleticism pops off the charts.
Ryan Dunn is the best defensive playmaker in this draft, racking up blocks and steals at unheard-of rates among draft picks historically, with elite physical tools and instincts.
ESPN's best prospects at 20 skills: https://t.co/Qotbmd0WOy pic.twitter.com/T41RuGxYNR
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 10, 2024
Kris Dunn is another player who hangs his hat on defense. The eight-year veteran and former No. 5 overall pick in 2016 averaged 5.4 points and 3.8 assists across 66 games (32 starts) for the Utah Jazz last season. The 6-foot-3 Dunn shot 36.9% from 3, but only averaged 1.7 attempts per game.
Due to the Suns having the highest projected payroll in the NBA next season at $209 million, they are operating in the second-tax apron and can only sign Dunn and other free agents to veteran-minimum deals.
https://t.co/udxc31w9FX pic.twitter.com/2gcOTqijy7
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 24, 2024
Phoenix currently has seven players under contract for next season: Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkić, Nassir Little and David Roddy. Damion Lee is also reported to be opting into his player option for next season.
How will the Suns navigate all of these restrictions and try to improve off of a poor finish to last season? We will see in the next week.
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
