ESPN Gives Phoenix Suns Low Offseason Grade
Mixed opinions have poured in on what the Phoenix Suns have done with their offseason.
The Athletic managed to give the Suns a solid "B" for their performance, and also propelled them to No. 3 in their power rankings heading into next season.
Bleacher Report says the Suns did well in their negotiations with center Deandre Ayton but should have taken advanced measures to address the back-up point guard spot.
When it comes to ESPN, however, their recent western conference offseason grades suggests Phoenix's motives were still unclear:
ESPN Gives Phoenix Suns Low Offseason Grade
Grade: C+
"Even after the negotiations ended with the Suns matching an offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers, it's tough to tell the team's goal in talks with restricted free agent Deandre Ayton," said Kevin Pelton.
"If Phoenix hoped to force Ayton to choose between playing for the one-year qualifying offer or a non-max multiyear deal, that outcome did look realistic for a moment before the Pacers stepped in. The Suns were fortunate Ayton's deal wasn't more player-friendly, containing no player option or trade bonus. Still, the way Phoenix handled Ayton's free agency could have long-term ramifications.
"With Ayton's new deal taking them into the luxury tax, the Suns' other moves were all to add players at the minimum. I liked the value for Damion Lee, who has quietly been productive for the Warriors during the regular season."
Only one "A" was awarded, which belonged to the Utah Jazz. The Dallas Mavericks (D) were graded as the worst offseason in the west. The Suns were just one of three teams (Memphis/Minnesota) to land in the "C" category.
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