Phoenix Suns: 5 potential free agency targets in 2017

2. Tony Allen

With Zach Randolph, Tony Allen and Vince Carter all being unrestricted free agents this summer, plus JaMychal Green‘s restricted free agency to worry about, it’s entirely possible the Memphis Grizzlies let their lockdown wing defender walk this summer.

If that’s the case, the Suns would be wise to snatch up the Grindfather with a sizable offer on a short-term deal.

Though his complete lack of a perimeter — or even a midrange — shot would fail to address that need in Phoenix, his defensive intensity and tough, gritty veteran mindset would be infectious influences on a young and already feisty core.

Just picture Jackson, Booker and even Warren learning from Mr. First Team All-Defense on that end of the floor. It’s terrifying to think of what Jackson could become if he learned from one of the league’s most tenacious and intense defenders, who has earned six All-Defensive team selections in his career.

At age 35, Allen is not nearly good enough to steal minutes from the Suns’ younger wings, but he could mentor them while enjoying a sizable paycheck that wouldn’t break the bank for McDonough’s books. He’d be slotted in behind Booker at the 2-spot, making small-ball lineups with him and Jackson locking down the wings a terrifying prospect.

Again, Allen is not the sexiest of free agency options, and he could very easily just take a discount to remain in Memphis. But at this juncture in Phoenix’s rebuild, there are few veteran influences who would be better for the team’s young wing players than an established defender and fiery competitor like the Grindfather.