After veteran forward Thaddeus Young completes his contract early this week, the Phoenix Suns will have one free roster space. The Suns will have multiple alternatives to replace the slot and are probably going to do so, according to Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports.
NBA Rumors: Suns Seeking Three Veterans To Complete Roster, According to Insider Young decided to sign with the Suns following his buyout of the Brooklyn Nets in order to bolster their depth up front.
Young, who hasn’t played regularly since 2018–19, will probably be ranked fifth on the Suns’ big man depth chart after reserves Drew Eubanks and Royce O’Neal and starters Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkic. Therefore, even if he won’t play a lot of minutes, Young will probably play in every game.
Throughout his 23 games this season, including six starts, Young was effective for the Toronto Raptors. In 15.2 minutes, the 35-year-old shot 62.1% from the floor and finished with 5.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. Four times did he score in double figures, and seven times he pulled down at least five rebounds.
What Is The Sun Gazing At?
The Suns are looking at all options, according to Bourguet, although they most likely want a guard or wing.
One of their targets, Delon Wright, is anticipated to sign a contract with the Miami Heat, according to Bourget. They were also interested in Danilo Gallinari, according to Bourguet. However, after Young decided to sign a contract with the Suns, he was removed from consideration. Gallinari signed a contract with Milwaukee in the end.
Additionally, according to Bourguet, Otto Porter Jr. and Cedi Osman are Phoenix’s best targets. However, the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz still have contracts with both players. Furthermore, neither player has given a clear sign that they would be purchased out before March 1, which is the final day on which players can play in the playoffs for a different team.
Osman isn’t enjoying his season too well. The 28-year-old forward has, nevertheless, shot the ball well during the last two seasons, converting nearly one three-pointer per game and shooting 37 percent from outside the arc.
Porter was traded by Toronto to Utah, but he hasn’t played since. Only 23 games have been played by the 30-year-old attacker in the previous two seasons. Despite his limited playing time, Porter is still capable of shooting, leading, passing, and rebounding.
Alternatives?
Bourget thinks the Suns will consider Danuel House Jr. if neither Porter nor Osman become available through the buyout market.
House was traded to the Detroit Pistons at the trade deadline after spending the previous 18 months with the Philadelphia 76ers. House was waived by the Pistons practically instantly.
House is a skilled veteran who can play two through four, much like Porter and Osman. Although he is only a career 36% shooter from beyond the arc, the 30-year-old is exclusively a 3-point shooter.
Although he did have times when he was given regular minutes, House struggled this season with the 76ers. In 15 minutes in 34 appearances, House’s shooting slash line was.448/.300/.761, good for an average of 4.2 points and 1.7 rebounds. Four times, he scored in double figures.
Additionally, according to Bourget, the Suns may decide to promote point guard Saban Lee from his two-way contract.
Although Lee has appeared in 123 NBA games overall, including eight starts, he has seen little action with Phoenix this season. Throughout 13 games, the 24-year-old has averaged 3.5 points and 1.1 assists in seven minutes per game while shooting 41.9% from the field. Though he has demonstrated that he can be a respectable distributor, he is more of a scorer than a genuine point guard. In addition, Lee is a strong on-ball defender.
