2011 NBA: Five Offseason Moves Phoenix Suns Must Make to Contend in 2011-2012
The Phoenix Suns are fresh off of an extremely disappointing 2010-2011 regular season.
Just one year removed from the Western Conference Finals, the Suns are watching the postseason from home this spring.
There are tons of questions surrounding the future of Steve Nash, and whether or not it's time for Phoenix to rebuild.
Regardless, the Suns will be looking to make big changes to their roster this offseason in hopes of holding open their championship window.
Here are five front office moves that Phoenix needs to make if they hope to stay relevant.
No. 5: Wave Goodbye to Vince Carter
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The 34 year-old Carter was dreadful for the Suns in 51 games this past season.
"Vinsanity" averaged just 13.5 points per game for Phoenix, which was receiving more than 19 per game from former shooting guard Jason Richardson earlier in the season.
The Suns need a more consistent and energized two guard moving forward.
It's time to part ways with Carter, who is on tap to make $18 million next season if the Suns pick up his player option (don't worry, they won't).
No. 4: Resign Grant Hill
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Grant Hill will turn 39 before the start of the 2011-2012 regular season, but why not bring him back?
Hill has played in 80-plus games for the Suns in each of the past three seasons, averaging around 12 points and five rebounds per game in the process.
Phoenix needs all the defense and leadership it can get, even if they have to sacrifice youth.
Hill made $3.3 million last season with Phoenix, so he would likely sign for a similar amount, unless he retires.
No. 3: Trade Josh Childress
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Arguably one of the more head-scratching deals by the Suns' front office last offseason, the acquisition of Josh Childress in 2010-2011 proved to be a failure.
Childress only started three games for Phoenix, playing in just over 54 total.
Phoenix brought in Childress to play defense, but he can't do that if he's not on the court.
Childress is a misfit with the Suns, and likely won't be around for long.
Though it will be difficult to find a team willing to take on Childress' contract ($6 million, $6.5 million, $7.2 million and $7.3 million the next four seasons), Phoenix should do everything in it's power to rid themselves of the five-year veteran.
With Childress gone, Hill and Jared Dudley would be Phoenix's main options at small forward.
No. 2: Extend Steve Nash
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What's with all this trade Steve Nash talk?
Does it really make sense to trade your franchise player because fans want him to win a championship before he retires?
Not at all, and Steve Nash would be the first to agree.
First of all, there is no guarantee Nash wins it all if he is traded to a contender (there is a degree of luck and breaks involved in winning the title).
Secondly, watching the Suns for 82 regular season games without Steve Nash would be utterly painful.
Thirdly, Nash calls Phoenix home, and has built strong relationships with teammates like Grant Hill and Jared Dudley.
Phoenix should extend Nash through 2014 (when he turns 40), giving him three more shots at the elusive Larry O'Brien Trophy.
No. 1: Use Cap Space to Pursue a Free Agent, or Two
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Assuming Phoenix parts ways with Vince Carter, the Suns will have plenty of cap space to fill this offseason (ninth lowest payroll in 2010-2011)
Although this summer is nothing like last year's (which saw Phoenix lose Amar'e Stoudemire to free agency), there are still a few admirable pick ups available.
New Orleans' David West would be a good fit with the Suns.
West injured his knee back in March and has been out since, however he would provide an excellent option for Nash on the pick and roll as a versatile power forward.
West is on tap to make $7.5 million next season with the Hornets, unless he chooses not to pick up his player option, making him a free agent.
The Suns could also go after Atlanta's Jamal Crawford, who has had a strong showing this postseason.
Crawford is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and could give the Suns a much-needed boost at in the back court.
Patrick Clarke is a Featured Columnist for the Phoenix Suns and a student at Towson University.
