Phoenix Suns: 5 potential free agency targets in 2017
1. Dewayne Dedmon
Because Allen could very well re-sign with the Grizzlies, backup big Dewayne Dedmon takes the top spot on the list. After declining his $3 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent, the Spurs’ solid backup center stands to make a lot of extra money on the open market.
However, since he’s still widely viewed as a backup and not a starting-caliber big man, he’d still fit nicely into the Suns price range among teams willing to bid a little extra without getting too crazy for his services.
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Last season in San Antonio, Dedmon had the best year of his career, averaging 5.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in just 17.5 minutes per game. In 37 starts, his numbers slightly increased to 5.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game on 64 percent shooting.
He’s pretty limited on the offensive end, but the Suns would sign him for his rim protection and defensive skill-set anyway. Though he’s already 27 years old, this seven-footer would be a decent stopgap to bolster the frontcourt depth, since Chandler is possibly on the trade block and Len and Williams are both restricted free agents this summer.
Len hasn’t impressed during his first four years in the league, and though Williams is hometown hero who came on strong at the end of last season, he might cost more than the Suns are willing to pay for an entertaining backup.
Dedmon is not the most high profile of targets, and the Suns would still be left needing a long-term solution at the 5. However, he’d provide length, depth, mobility and interior defense to a frontcourt that could use both. A potential contract wouldn’t break the bank or leave Phoenix with unwanted salary years down the road either.
Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far
To that end, Dewayne Dedmon is the exact kind of free agent the Phoenix Suns should be targeting in 2017 to supplement the youth movement.