The Phoenix Suns have solidified the core of their 2024-25 team with multiple players under contract, but their financial situation is presenting them with some challenges. With salaries totaling over $211 million and just 11 players signed, including their 2024 first-round pick Ryan Dunn, the Suns are well over the second tax apron.
General manager James Jones is tasked with filling out the roster with limited options, as the team can only offer veteran minimum contracts to the players they bring in. Despite the possibility of carrying 14 or 15 players on standard contracts, the Suns are considering whether it makes sense for them to not have a full complement of players given their salary situation.
Last season, the Suns faced issues with not having a true point guard for a significant portion of the campaign. Instead, they used a rotation of players to handle the position, with Devin Booker often taking on the lead guard role. Players like Grayson Allen, Eric Gordon, Isaiah Thomas, Jordan Goodwin, and Saben Lee also saw time at the point.
Gordon has since signed a free-agent contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, while Goodwin, who finished last season in Memphis on a two-way deal, is also a free agent. Both Thomas and Lee are currently on the market as free agents.
According to NBA journalist Gerald Bourguet, the Suns are focused on finding their next backup point guard. Bourguet reports that the team has their sights set on three veterans: Kris Dunn, Monte Morris, and Kyle Lowry.
Out of the three options, Bourguet believes Kris Dunn is the Suns’ top target. At 30 years old, Dunn brings athleticism, strong playmaking abilities, and solid defense to the table. He is known for his excellent distribution skills on the court, but it’s possible that Dunn could receive offers from other teams that exceed what the Suns can afford to pay.
It seems like the Suns are ready to make a move to bolster their backcourt, with Dunn standing out as the primary target. As the offseason progresses, Phoenix will need to navigate their salary constraints while trying to secure a veteran point guard to round out their roster. The stakes are high, but the Suns are determined to find the right fit for their team.
