Suns Face Salary Cap Woes Despite Hopeful Return of Drew Eubanks.
The Phoenix Suns are facing a pivotal offseason with several key decisions looming regarding their roster composition for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. One of the primary focal points of their offseason strategy revolves around the potential return of Drew Eubanks, who is contemplating whether to exercise his player option and remain with the Suns.
Eubanks, a 6-foot-10 center, played a crucial role as a backup center for the Suns during the past season. Despite facing scrutiny from fans who believed Thaddeus Young should have received more playing time, Eubanks provided valuable contributions off the bench. He averaged 5.1 points on an impressive 60.1% shooting from the field and grabbed 4.3 rebounds per game across 75 appearances, including six starts.
However, Eubanks’ future with the Suns is not guaranteed. Reports from Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro initially suggested that Eubanks might not return for the upcoming season. This uncertainty was fueled by the team’s disappointing first-round playoff exit, where they were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves, leading to significant speculation about potential roster changes.
The situation took an intriguing turn following the Suns’ decision to hire Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach. Budenholzer’s arrival injected fresh energy and optimism into the franchise, potentially altering the outlook for certain players, including Eubanks. Gambadoro indicated that Budenholzer’s hiring could influence Eubanks’ decision regarding his player option, hinting at the possibility of a renewed interest in retaining the talented center.
Eubanks himself expressed a desire to continue his journey with the Suns, citing the organization’s support and his positive experience during his tenure. He acknowledged that the full organization is keen on his return, reflecting a mutual interest in maintaining their partnership for the upcoming season.
Despite Eubanks’ potential return, the Suns face significant challenges regarding their roster and financial constraints. With notable players such as Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker commanding substantial salaries, the Suns are projected to have the highest payroll in the NBA for the upcoming season. This financial situation limits their flexibility in pursuing free agents or making significant roster changes, highlighting the importance of strategic decision-making during the offseason.
In conclusion, while Drew Eubanks’ return to the Phoenix Suns remains a possibility, the team must navigate complex roster dynamics and financial considerations as they aim to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Mike Budenholzer.