Dario Saric had a solid second season in the NBA as a major contributor for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017-2018. Then he lost all of his momentum the following year as he got shipped to the Minnesota Timberwolves along with Robert Covington and Jerryd Bayless in a midseason trade for Jimmy Butler and Justin Patton. Saric saw his production dip as he got fewer minutes.

This past season, he was on the move again as he was sent to the Phoenix Suns along with the draft rights to Cameron Johnson for the draft rights to Jarrett Culver. While his numbers didn’t really increase, averaging only 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds, Dario Saric found a more stable role. He started in 51 of 66 games, a far cry from his suddenly off-the-bench role with the Timberwolves where he played behind Covington, Andrew Wiggins, and Taj Gibson.

Suns, Dario Saric

But ironically, Dario Saric played his best stretch for the Suns when he came off the pine in the NBA Bubble. He suffered an injury in one of the tune-up games and saw his starting job go to Johnson. When he returned, he was relegated to being a reliever. But he shone in the role, averaging 14.8 points on 57.4% shooting, including 52.4% from long range, plus 7.6 rebounds, as the Suns went undefeated in eight games.

However, as much as Dario Saric seems like a good fit for the Suns, there’s a possibility that he could look for greener pastures as a restricted free agent. While it would be best for the Suns to re-sign him, other teams will surely try to acquire the versatile big man. If ever he decides to leave (he shouldn’t), here are three ideal landing spots for Saric in NBA free agency.

Golden State Warriors

The Bay Area is looking very enticing right now for free agents. The Warriors have been vocal about acquiring players to shore up the roster. They are in dire need of a big man with Kevon Looney, Marquese Chriss, and Draymond Green as the only guys manning the frontline. Dario Saric could be a welcome acquisition. He can play spot minutes at center, but he will be more efficient in his natural position at power forward.

It seems Dario Saric is tailor-made for the Warriors. He is a big man who can stretch the floor with his range. Like most guys from Europe, Saric is also a gifted passer. His facilitating skill is quite underrated. The 6’10” pivot from Croatia doesn’t have much of a post-up game, but with guys like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson around, he doesn’t need to worry about that. He just needs to set screens, make slips and cuts, and knock down open shots.

Joining the Warriors, however, means Dario Saric should up the ante on defense. He won’t earn floor time if he doesn’t. He’s not a terrible defender per se but he has the tools to be a legitimate stopper. He is agile, long, and strong.

Orlando Magic

If Saric wants more playing time, the Magic are a great choice. They have a promising squad with coach Steve Clifford doing a masterful job at maximizing the talents at his disposal. The Magic also has a thin frontline, especially on offense, with Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon as the only real threats. Saric, who has averaged in twin digits in scoring in all of his four seasons, will be a much-needed help. It will also be a reunion of sorts as Saric was drafted by the Magic as the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. His rights, however, were traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for Elfrid Payton.

Dario Saric’s offense will bolster the Magic, who are desperate for firepower. They are 24th in the NBA in scoring last season with only 107.3 points per outing. They were fourth-worst in field goal shooting at only 44.4%. They were the worst scoring team among all the 16 squads that made the NBA Playoffs. If Vucevic decides to leave, Saric will be needed even more.

Defense, however, has been the Magic’s calling card in years. Again, Dario Saric needs to step up his D if he wants to earn more playing time.

Washington Wizards

Another team looking to make the jump after a promising campaign last season are the Wizards. They don’t have much offense on their frontline as well, although young guns Rui Hachimura and Troy Brown Jr. showed glimpsed in the NBA Bubble. Saric, with career averages of 12.2 points and 44.1% field goals, including a respectable 35.8% from deep, can definitely add more scoring punch.

Superstar guards John Wall and Bradley Beal have already expressed their excitement for next season. They sound like they’re really hungry to carry the Wizards back into contention. That sounds promising and enticing for a free agent like Saric. If they’re really looking to build something in The Capital, they all could stay for the long run. Remember, Saric is just 26 years old. He still has lots of room to grow, and he could maximize his potential with the relatively young Wizards.

Saric could also be a solid insurance if ever fellow free agent Davis Bertans, who had a breakout campaign this past season, decides to pack his bags. The Wizards wouldn’t lose much as both players have almost similar skill sets. Although Bertans is a much-better three-point shooter, Saric is a tougher inside player.