Phoenix Suns: 5 potential targets in 2019 NBA free agency

4. Ricky Rubio

Arizona Sports‘ John Gambadoro identified Ricky Rubio as another free agency option for Phoenix, which makes sense since he’s smack dab in the middle of the Venn diagram between “affordable,” “realistic target the Suns could actually secure a meeting with” and “is actually good at basketball.”

Though Rubio never quite lived up to his pre-draft hype, those who aren’t still caught up in projections from nearly 10 years ago see a well-respected veteran, underrated defender and nifty playmaker who would make Booker’s life easier in a number of areas.

Though he’s never topped (or even come close to) his career-high 35.2 percent shooting from 3-point range in 2017-18, Rubio is a gifted floor general with excellent court vision. Although his assist numbers dipped the past two seasons with the Utah Jazz, he gave Donovan Mitchell more freedom to facilitate and increased his own scoring numbers accordingly.

He’d be put in a similar situation in Phoenix, though perhaps he’d have a bit more freedom to playmake in the pick-and-roll with Deandre Ayton. Rubio’s 8.5 assists per game during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves show he can orchestrate an offense, while his 12.9 points and 5.7 assists a night in Utah show he’s capable of embracing an altered role if need be. Mitchell also raved about his leadership.

Unfortunately, it’d take a bit of an overpay (like $12-14 million a year) to steal Rubio’s attention, since he’s also being courted by the Indiana Pacers — a much more successful, respected organization that plays in an easier conference and was one Victor Oladipo injury away from making some noise in the East this year.

With Darren Collison and Cory Joseph possibly on the way out, the Pacers are a serious threat to one of Phoenix’s top targets, which is why Rubio only comes in at No. 4 on the list. It’d take a pretty large offer to put the Suns on level footing, which would require additional roster moves to shed more salary.