KEY POINTS

  • Phoenix opted for consistency instead of splashy moves this offseason
  • The team re-signed their key free agents but has a glaring hole at power forward
  • Thaddeus Young is reportedly on their radar as a plug-and-play man at the four position

The Phoenix Suns are looking at solidifying their run back to the top of the Western Conference as they eye Thaddeus Young.

Phoenix was two games away from winning the NBA championship last season, but Giannis Antetokounmpo flexed his full arsenal from Game 3 onwards.

The Suns’ offseason was predicated on consistency as they were able to re-sign their key free agents in the form of Chris Paul and Cameron Payne while improving positions of need by signing Javale McGee and trading for Landry Shamet, formerly of the Brooklyn Nets.

Many have asked how the team will address the loss of Dario Saric at power forward this season as he suffered an ACL tear during the NBA Finals.

They brought back Frank Kaminsky, but he does not have the same skillset that Saric possesses at the four.

Lauri Markkanen was thought to be the ideal target as the team needed a big who was more inclined towards the scoring side of the ball, but he has since been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Paul Millsap was another name brought forth by many outlets as a potential signing, but his age and production do not fully fit the way the Suns play basketball.

Jeremy Cluff of the Arizona Republic reported that the Suns are rumored to be in talks with the San Antonio Spurs for Young.

Young was the centerpiece in the Chicago Bulls’ trade for DeMar DeRozan this offseason, and it is widely believed that they will be trading him again soon.

He was in a timeshare at the position with Markkanen during the 2019-20 season and was locked in the same situation last season with Markkanen and rookie Patrick Williams.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania was the first to break the Suns’ interest in him.

“The Suns are among the contenders who have pursued Spurs forward Thaddeus Young, sources said. San Antonio acquired Young in a sign-and-trade—along with a first-round pick and two second-round picks—and now are expected to receive strong interest in the veteran forward from competitive teams,” Charania stated.

Young would be the ideal target for the Suns this offseason as his ability to pass the ball to the right man and score on the block would be a much-needed skillset for them.

RELATED STORIES