Even before the draft started the Phoenix Suns were busy moving and positioning as the roster and salary re-build starts this summer on Planet Orange.
The first move was trading veteran forward T.J. Warren and the 32nd pick in the draft to the Indiana Pacers for cash considerations. Warren had three years and $35 million on his current deal. By moving the consistent scorer, the Suns free up cap space to pursue free-agents in the coming weeks, as well as potentially re-signing Kelly Oubre if the price is right.
Warren, a first-round pick of Phoenix in 2014 (14th overall), averaged 18 points, four rebounds and 1.5 assists last season.
About an hour later the Suns made their second trade sending the sixth pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 11th pick and power forward Dario Saric. Phoenix has been looking to add big, front court depth and Saric’s game appears to be a nice fit offensively with Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.
Saric, who played for new Suns’ head coach Monty Williams when he was an assistant in Philadelphia, averaged 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds last season. He played 13 games with Philly before being sent to Minnesota as part of the Jimmy Butler trade. The 6’10, 233-pounder who played 68 games with the T-Wolves, was drafted by Orlando with the 12th pick in the 2014 draft.
Many feel the Timberwolves will look to add a point guard or potentially a wing with the sixth selection.
Eric Sorenson
