The Suns' underrated offseason moves are already paying off in a big way

The Phoenix Suns were one of the first victims of the daunting NBA Second Apron. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal are all max contracts, and the Suns had no wiggle room to sign any additional players above the veteran minimum.

However, they were able to resign current players Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neal. The Suns also landed two steals of the offseason: veteran guard Tyus Jones and Rookie Forward Ryan Dunn, two players who have had a tremendous impact on their 7-1 start.

The Phoenix Suns signing Tyus Jones has paid dividends.

Ironically, the second apron helped and hurt the Suns this off-season. They were constrained with cap space, but because other teams were super cautious, free agents like Tyus Jones had a dry market.

Jones is a coach's dream point guard. He can shoot the three, defend, and is allergic to turnovers. Jones has led the league in assist-to-turnover ratio for the last six seasons and is currently leading the league again, with a ratio of 6.57. He's averaging 9.4 points per game and 6.6 assists and has given the Suns the steady point play they desperately needed.

His presence has allowed Devin Booker to return to his natural off-ball position and focus on scoring. Durant also benefits because defenders now have to worry about Booker off the ball, giving him more space to operate as Jones initiates the offense.

Tyus Jones could be a rental, as it would be shocking to see the league underestimate his value two off-seasons in a row. The Suns are sitting 7-1 at the top of the Western Conference, so one season may be all they need.

The Suns drafting Ryan Dunn was a major steal.

Ryan Dunn was a pleasant surprise for the Suns when they acquired the rookie from the Nuggets in a trade; they expected an elite defender. Dunn was selected to the ACC defensive team and was on the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year watch list.

At 6'8 and 215 pounds, his size and defensive ability were the main attractions as a pick. Offensively, it was going to be a project. He was a slasher and straight-line driver who only made 12 threes over two seasons at a 23% clip.

However, Dunn has already made 13 threes this season, shooting 39% from beyond the arc, and has shown he's more than a capable shooter. The defensive aspect has remained, and at times, you'll see him matched up with the opposing team's best player.

Dunn has established himself as a viable three-player for the Suns, and to lock him up for four years is a blessing for a team with limited funds and roster flexibility.