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Charlotte Hornets: Phoenix Suns players to target in free agency

By Trejan Rowbotham

May 15, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) controls the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in game seven of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) controls the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in game seven of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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As a part of our ongoing series detailing which players the Charlotte Hornets should target during free agency, our attention shifts to the Phoenix Suns. The Suns finished with a 64-18 record, which earned them a 1st-place finish in the Western Conference.

Phoenix was just blitzed by Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals’ seventh game. Despite making it to the NBA Finals last season and bringing back a near-identical team, the Suns fell significantly earlier than they were projected to. As we enter free agency, they have one monumental decision to make and several other smaller decisions as well.

Starting with the restricted free agents on their roster, the Suns have Deandre Ayton, Aaron Holiday, and Ish Wainwright. Holiday and Wainwright are not the draw here for the Hornets. Ayton could be the answer to all of Charlotte’s center-related questions.

As a big man that can rebound, finish, play defense, and pass, Ayton has it all and would be a fantastic fit next to LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and the rest of Charlotte’s core. The only downside is the money. Bridges needs to get paid, and that may make it to where the Hornets have to do a sign-and-trade with either Gordon Hayward or Terry Rozier’s contract to bring Ayton to town. Either way, he would be worth it.

As for the unrestricted free agents, Elfrid Payton, Bismack Biyombo, and JaVale McGee are all entering the open market. Payton and Biyombo should probably not be considered in Charlotte’s 2022 plans. McGee could fill in nicely as a backup (or occasionally starting) center, but he will likely remain on a championship-level roster for the rest of his career. The Hornets are not there yet.

If the Hornets can grab Ayton in free agency, they should absolutely do it. As the team with the biggest need for a dominant (or even passable) starting center, Ayton would fit the mold perfectly in Charlotte. The rest of the Suns’ crew should probably not pop up on the Hornets’ radar, however.

Next. Milwaukee Bucks players to target in free agency. dark

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