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NBA Free Agency: Grading all 30 teams on signings and trades

By Josh Cornelissen

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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. /
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NBA Free Agency
NBA free agency Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images /

2021 NBA Free Agency Grades: Phoenix Suns

Key Additions: JaVale McGee (1-yr, $5 million); Landry Shamet (trade)

Brought Back: Chris Paul (4-yr, up to $120 million); Cameron Payne (3-yr, $19 million); Abdel Nader (2-yr, $4.2 million); Frank Kaminsky (1-yr, undisclosed)

Key Departures: Jevon Carter (trade to Brooklyn)

The Phoenix Suns shocked the world by securing the #2 seed in the Western Conference and then fighting their way through the field to reach the NBA Finals. In the end, Giannis Antetokounmpo was too much for them, but the season was a resounding success.

The linchpin of that success was the Suns’ guard play, and they made sure to keep that rolling in bringing back both Chris Paul and Cameron Payne. Paul’s deal, which includes non-guarantees and a team option, is reasonable even with Paul’s age and lowers his cost this season, allowing them to avoid the luxury tax before DeAndre Ayton and Mikal Bridges have higher salaries kick in the following season.

Payne at just $6.33 million per season seems like a steal after the solid season he had, but he was basically a cast-off prior to his run with Phoenix in the NBA Bubble a calendar year ago and the long-term security of a guaranteed deal worked for him. JaVale McGee gives them a “poor man’s” version of what Ayton does and gives them a reliable option behind him. Nader has upside on the wing and is a solid value at $2.1 million a year as well.

Grade: B+

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