Five point guard targets for the Phoenix Suns

It’s no secret that the Phoenix Suns will pursue a point guard this offseason. The question is, who will it be, and why?

Gambo’s report on the Burns and Gambo show said the Suns have three targets:

• A point guard who can play 20+ MPG
• Backup big — upgrade over Drew Eubanks
• Young, athletic wing

Let’s talk about some point guards that fit that profile of Gambo’s report.

The Draft?

It would be remiss of me not to mention the latest draft rumor the Suns are connected to. Phoenix holds the 22nd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft this late June.

The 23-year-old point guard out of Marquette, Tyler Kolek, has been linked to the Suns with the 22nd pick. I like the fit. He could come in and contribute immediately while providing the Suns with a need (or two).

The 6’3” point guard averaged 15.3 points and 7.7 assists (NCAA-best) per game. He shot 49.6% from the field, including 38.8 from deep on a high volume of 7.4 attempts per game.

Let’s look at a few point guards who could fit that mold this summer.

#1) Kris Dunn (via free agency)

Dunn is a perfect fit for the Suns on many levels. He brings you the Josh Okogie-level defense at the point of attack, paired with the ability to handle the rock. That kills two birds with one stone. Phoenix’s issue last year was they’d rely on their role players to do just one job, and when that one job wasn’t getting done... they were in trouble.

Dunn is 30 years of age and has bounced around in his career before finding a “home” and consistent role in Utah. Last season he appeared in 66 games for the Jazz, starting in 32 of them. He averaged 5.4 points, 3.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks on a 47/37/68 shooting split.

He could play alongside Booker, Beal, and Durant with a big in a traditional lineup and provide that point-of-attack defense and screen navigation the Suns could use on the perimeter.

#2) TJ McConnell (via trade)

This is the name the Suns have been connected to forever. It also feels like a longshot given his impressive playoff run for the Pacers. Indiana does have an influx of depth at the position with Haliburton and the emergence of Andrew Nembhard.

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

TJ averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 71 games last season. He averaged 18.2 minutes per game and had a shooting split of 55/40/79 on the season. The heroic playoff moments for a Pacers team that overachieved lessens the chances he’s dealt.

Phoenix has other priorities to address with their pick, so while this match isn’t likely, it’s worth monitoring given their affinity for him.

#3) Delon Wright (via free agency)

Wright is a useful rotation piece who could contribute immediately to the Suns. Miami scooped him up last season after the Wizards bought him out.

He appeared in 47 games, averaging 5.4 points, 2.6 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 15.8 minutes per game between Washington and Miami.

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Wright isn’t going to shift the trajectory of the team, but he would be a useful depth piece that could make an impact.

#4) Monte Morris (via free agency)

Morris is a UFA and turns 29 years old this summer. He played in just 33 games last season, averaging 5.0 points, 2.1 assists 40.5% shooting from the field. He is a career 39% shooter from deep and a sound decision-maker who would add a steady presence to the second unit.

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Monte Morris had a down year in terms of health and impact, but he is still a valuable rotation player at his core. Now could be the perfect time to buy low on a player considered one of the best backup point guards in the association not too long ago.

#5) The Vet Discount: Kyle Lowry/Russell Westbrook

These both feel unlikely, but it’s worth mentioning the Suns could be viable options for players who want a change of scenery at a discount, similar to Eric Gordon last summer.

The Lowry interest makes sense for the Suns, but he is from Philly, and the 76ers are the clear leaders in retaining him. Russ reuniting with KD feels like a longshot given the circumstances. While the percentage chance is low, it’s still worth mentioning the Suns could be players in this type of market.

Bonus: Two-Way/G League Target

J.D. Davison — PG, Boston Celtics

Davison has put up massive numbers in the G League and could serve in the role that Saben Lee has for the Suns for the past two years. The difference is, Davison is younger and the team has an affiliate to send him down to now.

He averaged 20.8 points, 8.6 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 34.4 minutes per game in 28 contests for the Maine Celtics. He shot 45% from the field, but his main struggle has been shooting from distance. He shot just 26% from three-point range last season for the Maine Celtics. If he figures the jumper out, he is absolutely an NBA point guard. Worth taking a swing on. Why not?

Which is your favorite target, Suns fans?