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2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for Julius Randle

By Simon Smith

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 06: Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after making a three point basket against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on February 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 06: Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after making a three point basket against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on February 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2. Phoenix Suns

Behind newly installed head coach Monty Williams, the Phoenix Suns have some important decisions to address in the coming weeks. In addition to the holding the No. 6 overall pick in the NBA Draft, the Suns also have some key free agency decisions to get sorted.

Firstly, restricted free agent Kelly Oubre Jr. and his future require some serious consideration. Acquired midseason, Oubre excelled as a Sun as the season progressed, therefore making the decision in ascertaining his value all the more difficult. Despite the presence of T.J. Warren and Josh Jackson, the Suns are expected to bring back Oubre on a multi-year deal.

While the Suns are deep at the 3-spot, the 4-spot is another matter altogether. While Warren has the ability to play as a stretch-4, he’s not ideally suited to the position on a permanent basis. In Randle, the Suns would be welcoming a highly versatile frontcourt scorer, and would form an enticing duo alongside second-year center and last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Deandre Ayton.

Further verifying Randle’s chances of lining up with the Suns from next season was the following tweet from well-informed Phoenix-based sports radio host John Gambadoro:

Having missed the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season, Randle clearly sees the opportunity to play alongside young studs such as Ayton and guard Devin Booker as a terrific opportunity at this stage of his career. With coach Williams more than likely to implement an up-tempo style of play, this would play directly into Randle’s hands, just as it did in his final season with the Pelicans.

So while they may not have the cap space of several of the other suitors mentioned, the Suns and Randle make for an intriguing partnership nonetheless.