10 Best Available Free Agents For The Phoenix Suns After Waiving Two Players

With two roster spots opening up, the Phoenix Suns have a chance to bring in a key free agent before the season tips off.

The Phoenix Suns just made some tough calls by waiving Nassir Little and EJ Liddell, trimming their roster from 16 to 14 players. This move not only frees up some space but also opens the door for them to add another free agent on a minimum contract before the season kicks off. Now, with the season just around the corner, the Suns have the opportunity to bolster their lineup with some much-needed depth.

1. Evan Fournier

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Evan Fournier has had a rollercoaster of a year in 2024. After a lackluster NBA season with the Detroit Pistons, where he struggled to find his rhythm and ultimately saw his team decline his $19 million option for the 2024-25 season, Fournier has been looking to revive his career. Despite his NBA struggles, Fournier still made a significant impact on the international stage, representing France in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Although he had a slow start in the tournament, his performance against Japan was a turning point. Fournier managed to shake off early struggles and played a crucial role in securing a win with 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists, showing flashes of the aggressive play that once made him a valuable asset in the NBA. His experience and leadership were evident, especially as France looked to make a deep run in the tournament. However, questions remain about his consistency and whether he can carry that form back into the NBA.

Fournier is currently a free agent, and while his NBA future is uncertain, his Olympic performance could reignite interest from teams looking for a veteran presence who can contribute off the bench. Given the Suns’ need for depth, Fournier could be a low-risk, high-reward addition if he can bring that Olympic intensity to the regular season.

2. Talen Horton-Tucker

Talen Horton-Tucker

Talen Horton-Tucker’s career has been a bit of a rollercoaster, especially after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. Last season with the Utah Jazz, he showed flashes of the potential that once made him a highly regarded prospect, particularly in the final weeks of the season where he averaged 12.7 points, 2.3 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game. However, his inconsistency and struggles with efficiency, especially from beyond the arc where he shot under 30% for the season, have made his future in the NBA uncertain.

As of now, Horton-Tucker remains a free agent with no significant offers on the table. There was some initial interest from the Dallas Mavericks, but they ultimately decided to pursue other options. With most teams having filled their rosters, his best shot at continuing in the NBA might be as a backup guard for a team looking for depth and someone who can occasionally provide a scoring punch off the bench.

If the Phoenix Suns are considering adding a player like Horton-Tucker, they’d be banking on his ability to replicate those flashes of brilliance in a more consistent role. Given the right situation and support, Horton-Tucker could find his footing as a valuable rotational player, but it’s clear he’ll need to prove himself all over again.

3. Markelle Fultz

Markelle Fultz, once a highly touted No. 1 overall pick, has seen his career marred by injuries and inconsistency. After several challenging seasons, including a stint with the Philadelphia 76ers and more recently with the Orlando Magic, Fultz is now facing an uncertain future. In the 2023-24 season, he struggled to maintain a consistent role with the Magic, partly due to the team’s deep rotation of guards. His final season averages of 7.8 points and 2.8 assists per game reflect his limited impact.

As Fultz roams in free agency, the market for him has been surprisingly quiet for one of the best free agents remaining. Teams are wary of his injury history and his ongoing issues with shooting, which have hampered his ability to thrive in the NBA. Despite these concerns, Fultz still possesses valuable skills, particularly as a playmaker and defender. His combination of size, basketball IQ, and defensive abilities could make him a valuable addition to a team looking for depth, particularly in a bench role where he could focus on facilitating and defending.

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