There are also other potential targets like Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker, and D'Angelo Russell. The problem with those guys is that although they are talented point guards who can make a big impact, the Suns don't have the cap room necessary to sign any of them, which could hurt them in the long run and impact their luxury tax. Therefore, the four potential targets that Gambadoro lays out makes much more sense.
In a contradictory report that Gambadoro also writes out, it looks like the Suns are not shopping the No. 6 overall pick, though that could change as we get closer to the draft. As I outlined yesterday, if the Suns are willing to shop that pick, it would be for a veteran point guard, such as Mike Conley. They could still do that, but based on where things stand today, I wouldn't count on the Suns trading out of that pick.
As Jonathan Givony of ESPN noted, the Suns would be willing to move that pick for the right player. Now, the right player can mean a bunch of different things. However, it looks like the Suns' definition of the right player is somebody who is going to come in and make an impact right away, as well as serve as a veteran leadership presence. Seems like Mike Conley could fit that bill, if they can make it work and move a guy or two off their team.
Filling that point guard role will one of many priorities for the Suns this offseason. If the Suns decide to use its mid-level exception or open up cap space, they could pursue that veteran point guard in the offseason then use the pick on somebody other than a point guard.
However, if the Suns decide that they want to use the No. 6 pick on a point guard, they could acquire another veteran leader in free agency who is not a point guard. One name that came up recently is Julius Randle, who is currently on the Pelicans. He's expected to hit free agency this summer and reports are that the Suns would land him if they solve their point guard issues. I wouldn't bet on it right away, since the Suns have to take care of that point guard issue first. However, if they manage to figure it out whether in the draft or in free agency, perhaps then they would take a chance on Julius Randle.
As for the four free agency names earlier, I believe all of them would bring some sort of veteran presence and leadership that the Suns need for their team. Devin Booker is not seen as a leader yet, despite his numbers and his impact on this young Suns team. The one name I would look at if I was the Suns is Patrick Beverley. Although Beverley could very well go back to the Clippers if the Clippers have money to sign him this offseason, it's clear their attempt to get a big-name free agent could push Beverley out the door. Beverley is the biggest name of these four players and may be willing to go to the Suns to help them improve and serve as a leader. That is something I would think he would find very attractive. Then again, it wouldn't be surprising if the Suns decide to go after Mike Conley via trade or even a guy like T.J. McConnell, who has shown some impact and could serve as a big piece in the Suns' plans going forward.
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