Top 5 offseason targets who could significantly improve Phoenix Suns

#3 De’Anthony Melton

De’Anthony Melton had an injury-plagued season with the Philadelphia 76ers and looked like he lost his spot in Nick Nurse’s rotation because of it. Perhaps a move back West will reinvigorate his career. The Phoenix Suns offense will be fine with what it already has. Melton will come in as their best perimeter defender who can hit triples.

Melton, who is a career 36.0% shooter, will be an upgrade over any defender Phoenix has on the outside. He will free up Devin Booker from the tough defensive assignments. To sign him, they may have to essentially make Nassir Little and David Roddy salary dumps.

#2 Kelly Oubre Jr.

If the Phoenix Suns don’t want to go for De’Anthony Melton, perhaps they will take their chances on Kelly Oubre Jr. Philadelphia was eliminated in the playoffs but Oubre’s stock should rise a little with the way he performed. He took on the unenviable job of trying to defend Knicks star Jalen Brunson and did it well.

Oubre, who will be a big boost on defense, is also a decent rebounder at the small forward spot. For Phoenix to compete in the West, he may be needed to help contain the best wings and guards.

#1 Derrick Jones Jr.

Derrick Jones Jr. is giving the Phoenix Suns a free audition on why they should be interested in him. Jones has been the Mavericks’ go-to guy on defense against the opposing team’s best perimeter players. The lanky forward has more than held his own against Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards.

Jones has also been effective from behind the arc, making him an ideal fit around Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. He will be an unrestricted free agent so the Suns can try to lure him to “The Valley.” Phoenix can dump as many salaries as needed to sign him.