First, Evan Fournier
In 2024, Evan Fournier has experienced a wild ride. Fournier has been trying to jumpstart his career after a dismal NBA season with the Detroit Pistons, when he was unable to establish a rhythm and ultimately saw his team reject his $19 million option for the 2024–25 campaign. Fournier represented France in the 2024 Olympics in Paris and still had a big influence on the international scene despite his problems in the NBA.
Despite a poor start to the competition, his performance versus Japan proved to be pivotal. With 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists, Fournier helped secure the victory after overcoming early setbacks and displaying glimmers of the aggressive style that previously made him a successful player in the NBA. His leadership and experience were clear, particularly with France hoping to go far in the competition. His consistency and his ability to return to the NBA in that form are still concerns, though.
As a free agent right now, Fournier’s NBA future is unclear, but his Olympic success might pique teams’ interest once more in a senior player who can provide support off the bench. If Fournier can translate that Olympic effort to the regular season, he might be a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Suns, who need depth.
2. Tucker Horton-Talen
The career of Talen Horton-Tucker has been somewhat erratic, particularly after he left the Los Angeles Lakers. He displayed glimmers of the talent that had made him a highly sought-after prospect during his last weeks with the Utah Jazz last season, when he averaged 12.7 points, 2.3 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game. His future in the NBA is now questionable due to his inconsistent play and efficiency issues, particularly when it comes to his shooting from beyond the arc, where he shot under 30% for the season.
Horton-Tucker is still a free agent as of right now, and no substantial bids are in the running. The Dallas Mavericks showed some interest at first, but they finally chose to look at other possibilities. His greatest chance to stay in the NBA may be as a backup guard for a team searching for depth and someone who can occasionally give a scoring punch off the bench, as most teams have already filled their rosters.
The Phoenix Suns would be relying on Horton-Tucker’s capacity to reproduce such bursts of excellence in a more regular role if they were thinking about bringing him in. Horton-Tucker may establish himself as a useful rotational player with the correct circumstances and backing, but he will obviously have to prove himself once more.
3. Fultz Markelle
Once a highly anticipated first overall pick, Markelle Fultz has had inconsistent play and injuries throughout his career. Fultz is currently facing an unclear future following a number of difficult seasons, which included time spent with the Philadelphia 76ers and, more recently, the Orlando Magic. He had trouble sustaining a regular role with the Magic in the 2023–24 campaign, in part because of the team’s extensive guard rotation. His low effect is shown in his final season averages of 7.8 points and 2.8 assists per game.
For one of the top free agents still available, the market for Fultz has been surprisingly quiet as he roams free agency. His history of injuries and persistent shooting problems have made teams cautious, which has hindered his potential to succeed in the NBA. Fultz still has useful abilities in spite of these worries, especially as a facilitator and defender. His stature, basketball IQ, and defensive prowess might make him an asset to a club searching for depth, especially if he were to play off the bench and concentrate on both facilitating and defending.
Finding a team ready to take a chance on Fultz as he looks to turn his career around will be a struggle. According to some pundits, his best course of action could be to take a minimum contract with a rival team, where he could focus on improving his value in the league and play a specialized role. Because of this, he might find the Phoenix Suns to be a compelling alternative. His ability to create plays, drive the tempo, and mature attitude to the game might eventually be a huge asset to the squad.
4. Covington Robert
The Phoenix Suns may find Robert Covington, a free agent at this time, to be the perfect fit as they want to fill their roster space number fifteen. Covington is a significant asset to any team because of his ability to shoot three points and play defense, and the Suns may use his skill set to strengthen their bench.
4. Covington Robert
The Phoenix Suns may find Robert Covington, a free agent at this time, to be the perfect fit as they want to fill their roster space number fifteen. Covington is a significant asset to any team because of his ability to shoot three points and play defense, and the Suns may use his skill set to strengthen their bench.
Covington’s experience would be very beneficial in the Suns’ locker room as well. Having an experienced player who has participated in multiple postseason contests might offer the consistency and leadership that a championship-contending team needs as Phoenix looks to make a deep playoff run.
5. Bertans Davis
Before the season begins, the Phoenix Suns are trying to fill their 15th roster position, and Davis Bertans might be a useful addition. The Charlotte Hornets recently dismissed the 31-year-old sniper, who is still among the greatest floor-spacing big men available. His shooting ability to spread the floor would fit right in with the Suns’ scheme, especially with players like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant requiring so much defensive attention.
In his final season, Bertans split time between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 6.7 points per game on a 38.0% three-point shooting percentage. He has a career average of 39.6% from three-point range, making him a reliable danger from beyond the arc throughout his career. He is an ideal fit to play with playmakers who can draw defenders and kick the ball out for open looks because of his ability to make long-range shots.
In his final season, Bertans split time between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 6.7 points per game on a 38.0% three-point shooting percentage. He has a career average of 39.6% from three-point range, making him a reliable danger from beyond the arc throughout his career. He is an ideal fit to play with playmakers who can draw defenders and kick the ball out for open looks because of his ability to make long-range shots.
6. Cedi Osman
In an attempt to fill the last roster position, the Phoenix Suns may find that Cedi Osman is a valuable addition. Osman, a wing player with a reputation for adaptability, provides a useful skill set by being able to defend various positions and shoot beyond the arc. His season-long average of 6.8 points per game and 38.9% three-point shooting percentage from last season demonstrated his ability to be a reliable bench player.
Osman’s versatility and experience could help the Suns. With his versatility, Phoenix would have more depth on the wing, which is essential for any club hoping to compete in the postseason. Osman’s background playing under duress, particularly during the playoffs, would also be a great asset for a Suns team hoping to go far.
It also makes financial sense for Osman to perhaps play for the Suns. Phoenix may sign him to a team-friendly contract given his present status as a free agent, adding a proven player without giving up a substantial amount of budget room. With his shooting, defense, and experience, Osman might be the ideal addition to complete the Suns’ lineup for the next campaign.
7. Doug McDermott
The NBA season of 2023–24 for Doug McDermott was somewhat uneventful. Even with a calf injury that kept him out of the game for a chunk of the Spurs and Pacers season, he continued to be known as a deadly shooter. McDermott averaged 5.5 points per game over 65 games, including an amazing 41.5% three-point shooting percentage. His greatest attribute is still his ability to spread the floor, especially for teams needing a dependable shooter to come off the bench.
Although the injury limited his movement and playing time, McDermott showed he was still capable of making a big offensive contribution when healthy. His 2023–24 season performance was consistent with his usual effectiveness, which makes him a desirable choice for teams looking for a seasoned shooter who can jump in right away and spread the floor.
McDermott might be the ideal choice for the Phoenix Suns to occupy their last roster position. The Suns’ emphasis on three-point shooting and spacing makes McDermott an excellent addition who would only increase their offensive versatility. Alongside the Suns’ all-star team, he may add the depth and experience they need off the bench to maintain their offensive potency during the demanding NBA season.
8. Matthew Wesley
Even though Wesley Matthews is getting older, he still has some basketball left in him, particularly when it comes to playing defense and making the odd three. Despite his lackluster performance last season with the Atlanta Hawks (averaging just 3.1 points and 1.5 rebounds per game), his worth is demonstrated by his abilities off the court. Notwithstanding a slight decline in his shooting %, Matthews has long been regarded for his fierce defense and willingness to step up in critical situations.
Bringing in a veteran like Matthews could be a wise decision for the Suns. He would provide defensive grit and much-needed experience to the bench, which may be useful in the postseason. In addition, his leadership qualities can benefit the team’s younger players. As Phoenix tries to round up their squad in preparation for a title run, Matthews might be a low-risk, high-reward addition given that he’s likely available for a minimum contract.
9. Holiday Justin
For a club like the Phoenix Suns, Justin Holiday is one of those seasoned veterans who could be a quiet asset. He was a member of the Denver Nuggets the previous season, where he shot 36.1% from three-point range and averaged 4.0 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists a game. Even while these stats aren’t particularly impressive, Holiday’s worth comes from his versatility and experience. He is a traditional “3-and-D” player with the ability to finish off open shots and defend himself against guards and wings.
Holiday’s greatest position right now in his career is that of a dependable bench player who can fill in when necessary, especially in high-pressure circumstances like the postseason. His familiarity with multiple postseason runs—including his tenure with the Nuggets—offers him a poise and dependability that younger players might not have. Furthermore, he is a valuable asset for any team trying to add depth without going over budget because of his ability to adapt effortlessly into a variety of lineups.
A low-risk, moderately-profitable approach may be to add Holiday to the Suns’ veteran minimum deal as they attempt to make a deep postseason run. He is a capable role player who can provide defense, shooting, and a reliable senior presence to a team that wants to win a title.
10. Crowder, Jae
In free agency, Jae Crowder is still a reliable experienced option, especially for a franchise like the Phoenix Suns where he has experience. While playing for the Milwaukee Bucks the previous season, Crowder shot 42.2% from the floor and averaged 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists a game. Even though his stats weren’t as good as they could have been, Crowder’s tenacious defense and clutch three-point shooting still add a ton of value.
Crowder’s experience with the Suns’ system is a significant advantage. With his timely shooting and perimeter defense, he was a vital member of Phoenix’s 2021 NBA Finals team. He’s an appealing low-risk addition for the Suns as they bolster their roster because of his versatility as a guard and his ability to make threes under duress.
The Suns are trying to win a championship, so having a veteran like Crowder back on the bench might help them in crucial postseason situations by adding depth and experience. In Phoenix’s quest for yet another lengthy postseason run, Crowder might prove to be a crucial component if they can sign him to a team-friendly contract.
