Goran Dragic Signs With the Phoenix Suns For 4-years, $34 million (and They Got Michael Beasley, Too)

(Question 1 for Phoenix Suns fans: I like Dragic a lot, and have raved about him for a few years on this site. But why would you draft point guard Kendall Marshall last week in the lottery if you’re going to make him a backup for the duration of his rookie contract?)

The Suns, in desperate need for offense – Josh Childress never returned to being the player he was in Atlanta after playing two years in Greece – also added enigmatic small forward Michael Beasley for 3-years and $18 million. Beasley, the No. 2 pick in the 2008 draft, will join his third team in five years. He’s a volume shooter who likely will lead the Suns in scoring.

(Question 2 for Phoenix Suns fans: If you could turn back time one week and talk with the Suns’ front office, and they said their top free agent target was Dragic – a player the previous front office had traded away – who would you have wanted them to draft instead of Marshall? If you’re thinking small forward – Moe Harkless? – would he have been able to save you money on Beasley, a maddening talent with a penchant for knuckleheaded behavior?)

I don’t anticipate the Suns being a playoff team in 2012-2013, or even a playoff contender. Early guess: 26-56. There’s still a gaping hole at shooting guard, and they’ve got a surfeit of power forwards (Frye, Morris, Warrick). The good news is that they’ll have a Top 10 pick in the 2013 draft, and also an additional first rounder each of the next two years from the Lakers (probably picks in the late 20s).

Previously: Steve Nash traded to Lakers for Draft Picks
Previously: Deron Wiliams Signs with Nets, 5-years, $98 million