NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Phoenix Suns

With the No. 1 pick in hand for the first time in franchise history, the Suns are poised to find a franchise player in the draft. However, with cap space this summer, they can add a player that could be part of their future core.

The Phoenix Suns finished with just 21 wins last season, the lowest number of wins in the league. The lottery went their way, and they have the option to select either Luka Doncic or DeAndre Ayton (or any other prospect) with the first overall pick. With indicators pointing towards the Suns going with Ayton, to keep the big man in the desert, they’ll have a chance to add an additional piece this season to begin building together.

The only players that are part of the Suns core that have shown promise right now are T.J. Warren and Devin Booker. Warren’s contract extension begins next season, but his salary is at a rate where he can either be an affordable backup forward, if that’s the direction they choose to take. The 2018-19 season will be Booker’s last on his rookie contract, and he’ll demand a max salary from whichever team he signs with in restricted free agency.

If the Suns want to splurge on a big free agent — especially one that is interested in helping rebuild a franchise — it may be worth spending big on a player to see if he will be a part of their future.