NBA free agent targets for the Suns that won’t break the bank

Selecting two power forwards in the NBA Draft lent more evidence to the Phoenix Suns building a stable of young players around Devin Booker.

While Harrison Barnes is the big-name target in free agency that at first-glance could be a target of Phoenix, the realistic options also are the ones that would promote development of rookies Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss. But those 18-year-olds still need a veteran presence to lean on.

Mirza Teletovic and Jon Leuer could return but are unrestricted free agents. Teletovic doesn’t fill the need for a capable defensive forward, and Leuer might not have been a sure thing to return after receiving spotty minutes from coach Earl Watson late in the year.

So who can the Suns target who won’t break the bank but can add a stable presence alongside two very raw prospects and the center duo of Alex Len and Tyson Chandler? We broke it into three tiers.

A poor-man’s Harry B

Marvin Williams (unrestricted)

This isn’t because he’s another one-and-done Tar Heel. It’s because Williams brought much of what Barnes did, just at a little older age and with more of a bust label on the No. 2 draft pick’s career that is nothing to be disappointed about. The Charlotte forward’s averages of 12 points and six rebounds per game were modest, but shooting 45 percent overall and 40 percent from three-point range while being able to defend at either forward spot at 6-foot-7, 237 pounds is quite valuable. At 30 years old, he’s going to fall short of making Harrison Barnes money but brings the same type of player for a shorter-term, less-expensive contract.

— Kevin Zimmerman

Underappreciated up-and-comers

Dwight Powell (restricted)

It was a breakout year of sorts for the second-year pro. Powell played 14 minutes per game for the Mavericks and hit 49 percent of his shots in 2015-16. Athletic for a 6-foot-11, 240 pound forward, Powell’s rebounding rate jumped last year to a level of respectability and he projects to be better from three-point range (he only took 16 all last year). His defense is what will make him some money. The Suns could capitalize with a contract before people realize that.

— Kevin Zimmerman

Solomon Hill (unrestricted)

Maybe the most baffling move in 2015-16 transactions was Indiana declining Hill’s minuscule $2.3 million, fourth-year option. Hill has the size and athleticism for the modern wing and is below average to average at everything. He’s a high basketball IQ player who does everything on the floor, but his value is capped because he has yet to become great at anything. Still, he’s a forward hybrid and a much lesser version of Barnes who could end up being more valuable due to a much smaller contract.

— Kellan Olson

Mo Harkless (restricted)

The 23-year-old hasn’t developed much of his skillset, but his versatility on defense made him an invaluable member of the Trail Blazers during their playoff run that ended at the hands of the Warriors. Portland, however, could match any deal and might be willing to pay up to continue his development that remains promising and was the reason he went 15th overall in the 2012 draft.

— Kevin Zimmerman

Vets on short-term deals

Brandon Bass (unrestricted)

Bass is a perfectly capable role player who hasn’t maximized his value in that role on a good team since Doc Rivers’ Celtics. A smart player with a reliable midrange jumper, Bass is a perfect short-term placeholder the Suns could overpay for one or two years.

— Kellan Olson

David West (unrestricted)

Like Bass, the Suns would be accepting their fate as a non-playoff team and giving a large chunk of their power forward minutes to a reliable veteran. West wouldn’t move the needle too much, but he’d provide a veteran presence and stability much like Tyson Chandler at center, something the Suns could always use more of. He’s long past his prime but is a decent, cheaper option.

— Kellan Olson

Jared Dudley (unrestricted)

An old fan favorite, Dudley could provide the most flexibility as a proven 3-and-D stretch four. The question is if his best years are already behind him, but the Suns aren’t in a place right now where that gamble would severely damage them. If the Suns want their best chance at winning while also not committing a ton to this signing, JMZ appears to be the best choice.

— Kellan Olson