Phoenix Suns continue strong offseason, re-signing Dario Saric

The Phoenix Suns are having a strong offseason, and the signing of Dario Saric is another solid complementary move.

The centerpiece move of the Phoenix Suns’ offseason is the trade for Chris Paul, but they haven’t rested on that notable laurel. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Suns have now signed restricted free agent forward Dario Saric to a three-year, $27 million deal.

In 66 games (51 starts) for the Suns last season, Saric averaged 10.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game over 24.7 minutes per contest. He shot 47.6 percent from the floor, 35.7 percent from 3-point range and over 84 percent from the line. Even with a likely reduction in his playing time, Saric will be a solid piece for Phoenix as a stretch-four.

The Suns look like a very, very interesting team

The Suns have not made the playoffs since 2010. But an 8-0 run in the NBA bubble when last season resumed has fostered a lot of optimism, and the front office has backed it up by surrounding Devin Booker with additional pieces.

In free agency, the Suns have added notable versatility in Jae Crowder and E’twaun Moore. Damion Jones will provide depth at center behind Deandre Ayton, and Jevon Carter was brought back as backcourt depth.

With the 10th overall pick in the draft, Phoenix took Maryland forward Jalen Smith. He averaged a double-double for the Terrapins last season (15.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game), along with 2.4 blocks per game. He notably improved as a shooter across the board as a sophomore — 53.8 percent from the floor, 36.8 percent from beyond the arc and 75 percent from the line.

Guard Cameron Johnson, the 11th overall pick in 2019, and forward Mikal Bridges, the 10th overall pick in 2018, should not be left aside. Both young guys finished last season well in starting roles during the Suns’ bubble run, and coach Monty Williams will have to find a place for them in the rotation.

It’ll be a daunting challenge to climb the standings in a deep Western Conference. But the Suns may just pull it off next year, led by Paul and Booker, with a young big man in Ayton and a remaining roster full of interesting pieces.