Phoenix Suns: Top 5 Free Agency Targets
5. Jared Dudley
Since the Blazers would likely match an offer for Harkless, Jared Dudley gets the nod at No. 5 as a fan favorite pick.
As Phoenix’s P.J. Tucker before there was P.J. Tucker, Dudley endeared himself to the fan base with his work ethic, hard-nosed defense, unrelenting hustle, three-point touch and positive, passionate attitude.
With Dudley coming off Washington’s books and the Utah Jazz reportedly interested, there would be some competition, however.
Unfortunately, no @JaredDudley619-#Twolves steam -- I like him a lot. The Wizards want him back, and the Jazz are one team to watch.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 29, 2016
Suns fans would appreciate the return of a friendly face though, especially to a roster with so many new and young players. The Suns would appreciate Dudley’s positive influence on those developing youngsters and his return would also make Tucker expendable at the deadline when contenders start looking for 3-and-D prospects to bolster their roster for a title run.
Last season, Dudley averaged 7.9 points per game on 42 percent shooting from three-point range. His ability to log minutes as a small-ball 4 would give Earl Watson some extra versatility and again, with yet another rough season coming up, it never hurts to have a familiar face around.
The problem is that with the NBA salary cap rising, some other, better teams will probably offer Dudley more than a Suns squad who would primarily add him for his veteran leadership and pure nostalgia.
Next: No. 4