2016 Phoenix Suns

Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, David Kay and Peter Christian of the The Sports Bank. Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
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Phoenix Suns (Last Year: 23-59)

2016-17 Projected Depth Chart:

C: Tyson Chandler/Alex Len

PF: Alan Williams

SF: P.J. Tucker/T.J. Warren

SG: Brandon Knight/Devin Booker/Archie Goodwin

PG: Eric Bledsoe

NBA Free Agents:

PF-Jon Leuer (UFA)

PF-Mirza Teletovic (UFA)

SF-Chase Budinger (UFA)

PG-Ronnie Price (UFA)

2015-16 Team Salary: Approximately $61 million

NBA Offseason Team Needs:

1. Power Forward: With Mirza Teletovic and Jon Leuer free agents, the Suns have a gaping hole at power forward, especially since they dealt Markieff Morris during the season. Phoenix could address this need with the fourth pick in the 2016 NBA Draft if versatile 7-footer, Dragan Bender is available. If the Suns can’t land Bender at No. 4, expect them to target a young power forward with the 13th pick that they received from Washington in the Morris trade. Even assuming they draft a four-man, the Suns would be wise to bring in a veteran as well who can start from Day 1.

2. Draft Wisely: With four of the top-34 picks in the 2016 NFL Draft and pair of lottery selections, the Suns have acquired some valuable assets. Now, they need to draft wisely and find future impact-making players like they did a year ago with Booker. I would be shocked if the Suns kept all four picks so they could leverage a pick or two into an asset or future assets.

3. Shop Bledsoe or Knight?: After Eric Bledsoe’s injury, Devin Booker emerged at the shooting guard position and looks like he will be a valuable contributor for years to come. If the Suns want to get aggressive, they could look to deal Bledsoe or Brandon Knight in hopes of landing help elsewhere on their roster if they can’t sign who they target in free agency. It certainly is not a must for Phoenix, but it is an option worth exploring.