NBA Free Agency Rumors: OJ Mayo Would Be Perfect Fit for Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns are trying to retool their roster in a hurry. They may have lost their trusted leader to the Lakers, but the Suns aren't rolling over and claiming rebuilding.

Phoenix has already signed Goran Dragic and Michael Beasley, and they drafted Kendall Marshall in this year's NBA Draft. All three players will fill needs for Phoenix on both ends of the floor, but shooting guard is still a major weakness.

The Suns have been pursuing Eric Gordon at a feverish pace all offseason, but it appears the New Orleans Hornets are going to match the Suns' four year, $58 million offer.

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, that should prompt the Suns to set their sights elsewhere:

"

If Hornets match PHX offer sheet to Eric Gordon, as they've vowed, desert sources say this is definite: OJ Mayo will be courted hard by Suns.

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 11, 2012"

It's not like Mayo is a bad option. In fact, he's a perfect fit for Phoenix. He doesn't have Gordon's upside, but Mayo is just as established and a capable scorer.

He would also come cheaper than a maximum contract, which is never a bad thing.

Mayo averaged 15.2 points per game over four seasons in Memphis. He was used primarily as a bench player, and that number could make a major jump with more minutes and a larger role. Playing next to quality distributors, like Dragic and Marshall, will help as well.

The Suns' frontcourt is set. Marcin Gortat and Channing Frye are overpaid, but they get the job done. Beasley will man the wing, and the Suns have their point guard duo moving forward.

The only void lies at shooting guard, and Mayo is the perfect answer. The Suns could afford the max contract, but why pay one if you don't have too?

Mayo allows Phoenix to sign relatively the same production for a smaller price. He's a dangerous scorer, and his upside is really unknown at this point. Don't be surprised if a change of scenery and an increased role force Mayo's production to skyrocket.

He needs a place to start over. He didn't necessarily wear out his welcome in Memphis, but he was definitely deserving of more responsibility. The Suns are a team that are trying to get better in a hurry, and Mayo fits that bill flawlessly.

His established scoring ability will go a long way next to the current Phoenix rotation.