The Phoenix Suns have made enough roster moves this offseason to leave third-year forward Ryan Dunn in a precarious spot. He is still on the outside looking in for a long-term future in The Valley, but one recent move has at least given him a little more breathing room.
That comes with the Suns waiving Haywood Highsmith to open a roster spot and trim some salary. It was not a move designed specifically to hand Dunn another audition, but it does buy him time all the same. For now, he remains in the picture.
Phoenix has often left a roster spot open in recent seasons, waiting for the right player to become available. That approach has paid off before, including the use of Collin Gillespie on a two-way deal, a role that has since turned into something much bigger.
This time, the Suns may hold off until closer to the trade deadline before filling their 15th spot. Because they are operating in the first apron, their options are already limited when it comes to the kind of player they can add.
For Dunn, the immediate upside is simple: the 23-year-old should get a chance to show what he can do with the second unit. The Suns are no longer talking about the old Mikal Bridges comparisons, but there is still a path for Dunn if he can become a reliable defender off the bench. That alone would matter for this team.
The challenge is that Dunn has to narrow his focus. The idea of him as a "3-and-D" player in The Valley is gone, and the offensive part of his game has not taken hold. What he still has is size, quick feet and the ability to stay with elite scorers, even if strength and a lack of top-end burst remain obstacles.
The shot has always been the swing skill, but the Suns have already seen too many false starts there. Dunn may need to stop trying to be something he is not and simply embrace what he does best on defense.
Even then, his margin for error is thin. Rasheer Fleming already offers more scoring across three levels and fits better alongside Dillon Brooks and Miles Bridges. If Dunn does not show real progress before Phoenix uses that final roster spot, this stretch may end up being his last stand with the Suns.
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Suns Just Created One Big Miles Bridges Question
The Suns made a clear bet on Miles Bridges when they sent out Grayson Allen, Royce ONeale and a first-round pick to bring him in, a move that also brought back a first and a second. It was the kind of trade that says Phoenix did not just want to get bigger or shuffle assets - it wanted a frontcourt piece it can actually build around, and Bridges fits that idea as the rosters only experienced natural power forward.
Brian Windhorst reported that the Suns intend to keep Bridges long-term and give him a significant role, which is exactly why this deal lands with more weight than a simple rotation swap. Still, the part that will matter most for Phoenix is still hanging out there, because the teams plan for Bridges goes beyond this season and into the question of how soon both sides will turn that intention into something official. [Read more 🡒]
Pat Spencer Could Matter More Than Suns Fans Realize
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For Phoenix, the appeal goes beyond simple insurance. Spencer gives the Suns another guard who can handle the ball, keep the offense moving and fit into a competitive locker room, which matters on a team that wants every available piece to hold up if injuries start testing the rotation. And while his value may not show up in the flashiest way right away, the Suns clearly see a player who can be trusted to absorb minutes and stabilize the backcourt when needed. [Read more 🡒]
Suns Bring Back A Defensive Wing As Roster Battle Heats Up
Haywood Highsmith is back in the Suns fold, giving Phoenix another defensive wing option as the roster picture continues to take shape late in the summer. According to league sources and his agent, Highsmith will re-sign on a one-year contract after previously being waived, clearing waivers and reaching free agency before returning to the team.
Highsmiths path back has been a winding one after knee surgery and rehab setbacks kept him out for most of last season. He joined the Suns in February on a two-year minimum deal and appeared in seven regular-season games and two playoff contests, and now he gets another chance to carve out a role in a crowded competition for spots. [Read more 🡒]