Heading into 2017 NBA free agency, what can the Phoenix Suns expect from Alex Len’s restricted free agency? Here’s a look at how it may all unfold.
After seven straight seasons of missing the playoffs, the Phoenix Suns are going all in on their developing youth movement. From Devin Booker to T.J. Warren to rookies Marquese Chriss, Dragan Bender and Tyler Ulis, there’s plenty to be excited about for the future.
But even when Phoenix’s upcoming draft pick, Alan Williams and Derrick Jones Jr. are thrown in that mix, why is it that Alex Len‘s name only gets included as a courtesy nod?
Heading into the 2017 NBA offseason, the Suns don’t figure to be free agency players once again, other than perhaps finding more veteran help for the young locker room.
The biggest item on general manager Ryan McDonough’s agenda — and one that somehow continues to slip under the radar — is Len’s upcoming restricted free agency.
Whether it’s been injury, limited opportunity or just outright underwhelming play through his first four years in the league, the former No. 5 pick of the 2013 NBA Draft has not lived up to his billing as a franchise center. He’s shown flashes of potential, but are they worth investing in this summer? And what would a reasonable, realistic extension look like for the seven-footer?
As McDonough tries to assemble what the Suns hope will become a championship core in the future, the decision to extend Len or let him walk is a low-key important moment. Here’s a look at Alex Len’s value and what to expect from his restricted free agency.