Ryan

McDonough

There were rumors that Suns were considering this move during the offseason, but just a week before the start of the regular season is odd timing. GM duties will be handled by VP of Basketball Operations, James Jones, and assistant GM Trevor Bukstein. We’ll see if the Suns reshuffled front office makes a major push for a much-needed PG.

Phoenix has been focusing on SGs and SFs during recent draft-prospect workouts. Sunday’s group included New Mexico G/F Tony Snell, whom the Suns would be happy to draft with the No. 30 pick if he’s still available, but they’re also interested in Providence SG Ricky Ledo and Long Beach State G/F James Ennis, among others. McDonough has previously stated that he’ll try to acquire another first-round pick in the draft, in addition to the Suns’ No. 5 and No. 30 picks.

The league’s GMs are drooling over the potential of the 2014 draft class, and the Suns are in the driver’s seat as they will have as many as four picks to go along with about $20 million in available salary-cap space. “We may not draft four players even if we have four picks,” said GM Ryan McDonough. “Our preference would probably be to maybe package a few of them. We’re obviously all looking for stars and we feel like we can put together a package as good, if not better, than any other team in the league if and when a star becomes available.” McDonough’s transparency has been refreshing ever since he took over as the Suns’ GM, and we’ll be on the lookout for any Suns-related trade chatter in the coming days and weeks.

“We were kind of on the sideline for some of the marquee free agents [this offseason]. But as you know, [Adrian Wojnarowski], it wasn’t the deepest free agent class,” said McDonough. “Potentially, it’s a very strong free agent class next year. And one of the things we’ve done with our contracts is we’ve lined them up to have max cap space next year without really touching the core of our roster.” Phoenix could potentially go into the 2017 offseason with over $29 million in cap space, so they’ll certainly have the available cash to go after a marquee player.

The Suns reportedly discussed including the pick in a three-team deal, or possibly packaging the pick with Eric Bledsoe for a star player, but it doesn’t look as though that will happen. If Phoenix does keep the pick, they’ll have plenty of talent to choose from.

Paul George was mentioned as one possible option, but Woj was quick to note that plenty of teams have inquired about the Pacers’ asking price. There’s no lack of interest in the Suns’ No. 4 pick, and we expect plenty more rumors in the leadup to Thursday’s momentous draft.

“I’m very appreciative for the opportunity to come to Phoenix,” said Babby, who served five years as team president. “I look forward to staying involved here in the community and being more involved with my family.” The move shouldn’t have major implications for the Suns, as Babby had already shifted to a smaller role last season with Ryan McDonough running the show.

The Suns had a press conference to announce this move and the addition of James Jones to be the vice president of basketball operations. In the press conference, the Suns really preached patience with a focus on the draft and player development. In other words, you can probably bet we see players like Eric Bledsoe and Tyson Chandler get days off just like last year.

No, we’re not joking. After the Suns signed Isaiah Thomas in free agency last summer and then drafted Tyler Ennis (another point guard), the team wound up dealing both during the year. Now, it’s deja vu despite a desire to retain restricted free agent Brandon Knight. The logic is getting tougher to follow, but Notre Dame’s Jerian Grant is a name to watch.

“Just because we were close to the playoffs, we’re not going to draft a guy just because he’s able to play right away,” McDonough said. “I think that’s where a lot of mistakes get made.” Phoenix also holds the No. 50 pick in the second round, and their cornucopia of picks puts them in an enviable position during a deep and talented draft.