The 2014 NBA free agency period will officially begin on Tuesday and the Phoenix Suns are expected to become one of the most active teams as they try to land a marquee player.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, the Suns are expected to make a run at acquiring LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony to form a superstar duo starting next season.
Suns officials are reportedly aware that signing both superstars is a long shot, but they remain optimistic that they could convince James and Anthony to move to Phoenix by using their young and talented roster as their main selling point.
"Suns officials understand the bid will be something of a long shot, but are determined to get a meeting with James to convince him how the possibilities of two full max contracts, a roster stocked with talented, young players and the chance to pick the superstar free-agent partner of his choice ought to make Phoenix one of his most appealing suitors," Wojnarowski wrote.
Previous reports suggested that James and Anthony are itching to play alongside each other next season, but most teams will not have enough cap space to acquire both superstars.
Suns general manager Ryan McDonough remains optimistic, though, that they can make the necessary moves to make the deal happen this summer.
The Suns, who have $33.5 million salary cap space, needs to move at least $10 million in salary to make room for both superstars, and McDonough believes that they can do it even without giving up Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic, and young prospect center Miles Plumlee.
Sources indicated that the Suns are planning to lure James first and they are confident that James will be attracted by their current roster and financial flexibility in the future along with their collection of first-round picks for next year.
And by getting James attention, the Suns believe that they will also have a good shot at landing Anthony, who is expected to talk to several teams in the next several teams.
"Phoenix officials believe the best chance to get Anthony away from his preferred free-agent destinations - Chicago and Houston - will be to turn James' attention toward the Suns, and get Anthony on board with his one true chance to play with James," Wojnarowski wrote.
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