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Summary
Saric was the primary starting power forward for Phoenix this season, but didn't do much to will convince the Suns that he is a great option at the spot going forward. He shot below-average from three for the first time since his rookie season, and his struggles to finish at the rim continued.
 
Saric does not have an elite NBA skill, but he is an intelligent player that can affect the game in multiple ways. He has size and passing ability that be very useful at the power forward position. Saric has the ability to methodically get to the rim using his size in a manner similar to late-career Boris Diaw. His ability to stretch the floor allows him to play inside or outside, and play with paint-clogging centers. While he will likely never be an above-average defender due to his athletic limitations, he is solid enough at that end to survive. 
 
Cap Considerations
Saric will be a restricted free agent with a $10.4 million cap hold and a likely $4.8 million Qualifying Offer. However, the Suns may end up not tendering the QO to Saric, and doing so would lead to him being an unrestricted free agent. The Suns could then renounce Saric to remove his cap hold, if they decide that using cap space is more valuable than having Saric's restricted rights.
 
Most realistically, the Suns will know going into free agency what kind of players they might get with their cap space, and will make the decision on Saric accordingly. If Saric is brought back on a multi-year contract, front-loading the contract would be beneficial for the Suns, as they could do so without losing cap space and while still avoiding the luxury tax.
 
For other teams, Saric could likely be pryed away from Phoenix for the full Non-Taxpayer MLE (4-year, $39.8 million), which means that even teams without cap space have a shot at signing Saric, whether he is a restricted free agent or not.

Potential Teams: Spurs, Suns, Celtics, Thunder, Trailblazers

Predicted Contract: 2-year, $18 million with the Spurs

Actual Contract: 3-year, $27 million with the Suns

Saric got a similar contract to what I expected, and returned to the Suns when they decided to remain over the cap rather than use cap space.

Last updated: 12/31/2020

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