After making a historic run all the way to the NBA Finals in 2021, the Phoenix Suns followed it by a disappointing 33-point loss in game seven versus the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals. They came into 2022 NBA free agency needing to make some important signings to improve the team.
Without knowing how many years of elite Chris Paul they will still get, every year could be the last chance the Suns have to win a championship with this core. Because of that, the team is trying to keep its best pieces while adding some rotational players who can always step up when needed.
With that said, here are the grades for the Suns' most notable signings up to this point.
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Phoenix Suns 2022 NBA Free Agency Grades
Deandre Ayton's 4-year, $133 million offer sheet match: A-
Following weeks of rumors, Deandre Ayton agreed to a $133 million deal for four years with the Indiana Pacers, the largest offer sheet in NBA history. The Suns surprisingly matched the offer despite all the conversations surrounding how the relationship between the center and the team was.
From a basketball perspective, this is a key decision to the Suns' short-term goals. Ayton has already proved that he can be the starting center of a finals team and play an important role in a playoff run. The big man out of Arizona has averaged 17.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.0 block per game, while shooting 59.9 percent from the field.
From an off-court perspective, there are still some questions on how things will be between Ayton and the front office and the coaching staff following the offer sheet match. Multiple reports indicated the Suns were unwilling to give him a maximum offer and that the last time he played, Ayton and coach Monty Williams' relationship was potentially harmed.
The big question is how Ayton and the Suns work together from now on. Should they work out their differences and Paul still plays like an All-Star, the Suns can reach the finals again, but if not, Ayton has the power to veto a trade during the 2022-23 season, and both parties could be stuck on each other in an unhealthy relationship.
Bismack Biyombo's 1-year, veteran minimum deal: B
When the situation with the starting center was still complicated, the Suns acted quickly and secured veteran Bismack Biyombo in a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.
In 36 games in Phoenix last season, the big man averaged 5.8 points and 4.6 rebounds in just 14.1 minutes a game, while shooting 59.3 percent from the field and adding 0.7 blocks.
For a minimum deal, the Suns were able to keep a solid backup for Ayton who could give some meaningful minutes when the former No. 1 pick is resting. Biyombo also brings veteran experience and previous Phoenix experience, which could be important when mentoring young players, including Ayton.
Damion Lee's 1-year, $2.1 million deal: B-
The Suns brought in an experienced NBA champion by signing Damion Lee. The former member of the Golden State Warriors signed a one-year deal worth $2.1 million, according to Spotrac.
For a cheap deal, the Suns brought a guard who has played with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for most of his career, so he brings some All-Star knowledge to the table. He could also fill out the minutes from Aaron Holiday, who is joining the Atlanta Hawks. However, he could take away minutes from Landry Shamet, who the Suns signed a four-year, $43 million contract last year.
Josh Okogie's 1-year, $1.9 million deal: C+
Phoenix quickly signed Josh Okogie for one year with a salary of $1.9 million.
Although a cheap deal, the former first-round pick's role with the Minnesota Timberwolves significantly decreased in his last year with the team, playing only 10.5 minutes in just 49 games. He also plays a similar role as Torrey Craig, a defensive-minded guard, so it begs the question of how Okogie will contribute with the Suns.
Overall, Phoenix did its best by bringing back Ayton and signing some rotational players. As the championship window with Paul is closing every year, this could be one if not the best shot they have since 2021 to win it all for the first time in franchise history.
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