Could James Jones bring former teammates to Suns for playoff push?

The league has a lot of players and there can be legitimate movement in an off season. A big factor in that are connections and relationships formed over time. Let’s take a look at former teammates of GM James Jones that are currently active players in the NBA and see how they might fit on this roster.

*In Parentheses is when said player played with Jones

The “Just Say No” Tier

Michael Beasley (2008-10 MIA), Dion Waiters (2014-15 CLE), J.R. Smith (2014-17 CLE)

All three of these guys will be unrestricted free agents and could help in different aspects of the game but due to their previous issues the Suns may be wise to just say no.

The “Not Coming” Tier

Kyle Korver (2016-17 CLE) and Udonis Haslem (2008-14 MIA)

Korver is a sharp shooter and would be nice to have for guys like Cameron Johnson. Haslem is one of the hardest working, most competitive guys you will ever see. However, they’re 39 and 40 respectively. If they don’t retire, Korver will likely only go to a contender and Haslem will surely stay in Miami.

The “Thanks, But I’ll Pass” Tier

Matthew Dellavedova (2014-16 CLE) and Iman Shumpert (2014-17 CLE)

I used to like both of these guys and they’d be fairly easy to sign. Delly is a smart, veteran point guard and Iman is a scrappy 3-and-D wing. However, their latest stints have left much to be desired.

The “Yeah, Not Happening” Tier

LeBron James (2010-14 MIA, 2014-17 CLE) and Kyrie Irving (2014-17 CLE)

James played with LeBron for seven seasons and Kyrie for three. Clearly, that means he can easily trade for both without giving much up. Not. They are on the Lakers and Nets. That isn’t changing.

Alright, now that we have seen who will not be a good fit and won’t be coming to the Suns, here are five guys that could be.

Tristan Thompson (2014-17 CLE)

I’m not sure how awkward it would be between him and Devin Booker so that would have to be answered first, but depending on his price tag he’d be a good backup center signing. He posted career highs in field goals, attempts and points while having his second best rebounding year. If Aron Baynes leaves, a 29 year old with a 254 pound frame that just averaged 12 points, 10.1 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game while giving a darn on defense would help anchor the bench.

Jordan McRae (2015-17 CLE)

Phoenix looked to claim him in March but Detroit’s worst record allowed the Pistons to claim him off waivers instead. He’s worked his tail off and has come a long way. At 6-foot-5, he has size for both guard positions off the bench and could be that combo guy the Suns need. He netted 1.4 threes per game at a 37.7 percent clip for the Wizards this season, averaging 12.8 points, 3.6 rebound and 2.8 assists per game. It likely wouldn’t cost too much to sign him either.

Joe Harris (2014-16 CLE)

Joe has been talked on here already, so I’ll make this short. He averaged a career high 2.5 triples at a 42.4 percent clip this season for a career high 14.5 points and would be a super sixth man. The Nets will prioritize him in free agency and he’d likely cost a bit but he would be a great fit.

Kevin Love (2014-17 CLE)

The 5x All-Star and NBA Champion was recently signed to an extension that will pay him around $90 million total for the next three seasons. That’s a bit of a risk for a player that’s 32 and has an injury history. However, if he can stay healthy he could get back to being a star and his floor stretching, scoring and rebounding would be very valuable in Phoenix. What would it take to trade for him?

LaMarcus Aldridge (2007-08 POR)

Before you think back, James Jones and Monty Williams are the GM and head coach now. Aldridge has connections to both of them. Things are different. He has just one year left on his contract for $24 million next season so it isn’t much of a risk taking a gamble on the 7x All-Star, despite him being 35. Aldridge could be a sneaky good fit next to Deandre Ayton and could also teach him several things while being a solid scoring trio with Ayton and Booker. He shoots 38.9 percent from downtown and is still averaging around 20 points per game. The Suns should at least ask what it would take to get him, right?