The Phoenix Suns have their primary team members for the 2024-25 season under contract, but their financial situation presents challenges. With a total salary expenditure surpassing $211 million, the Suns are well over the second tax apron. This high payroll includes just 11 players, among them their 2024 unsigned first-round pick, Ryan Dunn.
Given these financial constraints, general manager James Jones is limited to offering only the veteran’s minimum salary to the three or four additional players needed to complete their roster. NBA teams can have up to 15 players on standard contracts, but considering their salary cap situation, it might not be feasible for the Suns to fill all available spots.
The Suns’ most pressing need is at the guard position, especially at point guard. Their current roster for the 2024-25 season lacks a true point guard, with Colin Gillespie being the only one, and he is on a two-way contract. Gillespie, who signed with the Suns earlier today, played 24 games for Denver last season.
Last season, the Suns did not have a consistent point guard for much of the year. Instead, they used a combination of players in that role. Devin Booker, while not a traditional floor general, took on the lead guard responsibilities whenever he was on the court. Other players like Grayson Allen, Eric Gordon, Isaiah Thomas, Jordan Goodwin, and Saben Lee also shared time at the point guard position.
Eric Gordon signed with Philadelphia in the offseason, and Jordan Goodwin, who ended last season on a two-way contract with Memphis, is now a free agent. Isaiah Thomas and Saben Lee are also free agents.
According to Gerald Bourguet of PHNXSports, the Suns are focused on securing a backup point guard, with Kris Dunn, Monte Morris, and Kyle Lowry being their primary targets.
Kris Dunn is the Suns’ top choice due to his athleticism, playmaking ability, and defensive skills. At 30 years old, Dunn is also known for his excellent distribution on the court. Despite his appealing qualities, Dunn might attract offers from other teams that exceed what the Suns can offer. Dunn is coming off a season with the Utah Jazz where he averaged 5.4 points, 3.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 turnovers in 19 minutes per game over 66 appearances, including 32 starts. He managed to score in double figures nine times and recorded double-digit assists in three games while achieving at least one steal in 40 games.
Monte Morris, though hampered by injuries last season and playing only 33 games, is another strong candidate. The 29-year-old boasts a career 3-point shooting percentage of 39.1% and is a reliable ball-handler. Morris is also recognized for his solid physical defense. While his playing time in Detroit was limited, he previously excelled as Mike Conley’s backup in Minnesota. Morris averaged 5.1 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 rebounds with shooting splits of 41.7% from the field, 42.4% from three-point range, and 70.6% from the free-throw line. He scored in double figures twice last season.
Kyle Lowry, at 38, is the most experienced among the three. Though no longer at his peak, Lowry remains a capable backup who can provide steady performance without being a liability on the court. Last season, he averaged 8.1 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in 60 games split between Miami and Philadelphia. Lowry also averaged 1.6 three-pointers per game with shooting percentages of 43.2% from the field, 39.2% from three-point range, and 84.0% from the free-throw line. He recorded three double-doubles and scored in double figures in 20 games, including three games with over 20 points.
In summary, the Phoenix Suns are navigating a challenging financial landscape to complete their roster for the upcoming season. They have significant needs at the point guard position and are targeting veterans Kris Dunn, Monte Morris, and Kyle Lowry to address this gap. Each player brings unique strengths to the table, and the Suns will have to strategically manage their limited financial resources to make the best possible additions to their team.
