Phoenix Suns: Five Free Agents Who Should Be on the Suns' Radar This Offseason

The Phoenix Suns are in rebuilding mode regardless of whether or not they are moving forward with two-time MVP Steve Nash.

The Suns have missed the postseason for the second time in three years, raising all sorts of red flags.

The front office missed badly with the Hedo Turkoglu trade and Josh Childress signing last offseason, and made matters worse when they dumped Jason Richardson's contract for an over-the-hill Vince Carter.

The Suns need to trade away some of their dead weight this offseason, but more importantly, they need to capitalize on their cap space and sign a strong free agent that could help them win now.

Here are five players who will be free agents at season's end that Phoenix should have it's eyes on.

David West (New Orleans Hornets)

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PHOENIX - MARCH 14: David West #30 of the New Orleans Hornets puts up a shot during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on March 14, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Hornets 120-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ac

The Hornets' David West has a $7.5 million player option that he could choose to accept or decline this offseason.

The knee injury he suffered last March makes things interesting however.

West could decline the option and look for more money and years guaranteed elsewhere, or accept and secure his money for 2011-2012 with the Hornets.

Phoenix could certainly compete with New Orleans for West's services, given it's location, style of play, and history of over-paying players.

West will turn 31 this summer and averaged nearly 19 points per game for the Hornets in 2010-2011, as well as 7.6 rebounds per game to go along with 50.8 percent shooting from the field.

West would be excellent in Phoenix's style, providing another dynamic offensive weapon.

Though the Suns' interior defense would still need some retooling.

Nene (Denver Nuggets)

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PHOENIX - NOVEMBER 15: Grant Hill #33 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball under pressure from Nene of the Denver Nuggets during the NBA game at US Airways Center on November 15, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 100-94. NOTE TO US

Denver's Nene is another big man with a player option in 2011-2012.

Nene can choose to accept or decline a $11.6 million offer for next season with the Nuggets.

The Brazilian will turn 29 this summer and could provide a youthful defensive presence for the porous Suns.

Nene averaged 14.5 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per contest for Denver this past season.

He also shot 61.5 percent from the field, a perfect fit for the Suns inside.

Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks)

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MILWAUKEE - JANUARY 22: Michael Redd #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives against Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns at the Bradley Center on January 22, 2008 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Suns won 114-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agree

Since the departure of Jason Richardson last December, the Suns have lacked a viable option at shooting guard.

Vince Carter is likely out this offseason and Mickael Pietrus can't score consistently.

Unless Phoenix drafts a solid two-guard this June, they will need to address this position through free agency or a trade.

There are plenty of question marks surrounding Michael Redd however, and maybe that's why he is such a good fit for the Suns.

So many players in the past have rejuvenated their careers in the desert playing alongside Steve Nash.

Redd was a scoring machine before injuring his knee two seasons ago, he has only played 28 games total in the last two seasons.

Redd is averaging 20 points per game on 45 percent shooting for his career.

Tyson Chandler (Dallas Mavericks)

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 27: Josh Childress #1 of the Phoenix Suns lays up a shot against Tyson Chandler #6 of the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA game at US Airways Center on March 27, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mavericks defeated the Suns 91-83. NOTE TO

Every team needs a Tyson Chandler, but the Suns really need one.

Chandler would be a huge interior presence for a team that allowed nearly 106 points per game last season.

Chandler's offensive game would likely thrive playing with Steve Nash, who would find him around the rim and in the paint (similar to Jason Kidd in Dallas).

Chandler averaged 10.1 points per game and 9.4 rebounds per game with the Mavericks during the 2010-2011 regular season.

The big man will turn 29 this summer, but is a long shot to land in the desert as long as the Mavericks' front office has a pulse.

Jamal Crawford (Atlanta Hawks)

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ATLANTA - JANUARY 15: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots over Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns at Philips Arena on January 15, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using

Crawford has been filling it up for Atlanta in these 2011 playoffs.

The 10-year veteran out of Michigan is averaging nearly 21 points per game while shooting 46.3 percent from beyond the arc for the Hawks (who are in the conference semi-finals for the third straight year) this postseason.

Crawford would be an obvious upgrade over Carter at shooting guard, bringing an explosive offensive game to the Suns' back court.

Side note: Phoenix would be better suited to start Jared Dudley at small forward than two-guard.

Crawford turns 31 this offseason and would be a very solid free agent pick up if the Suns can pry him away from the Hawks.

Patrick Clarke is a Featured Columnist for the Phoenix Suns and a student at Towson University.