Pacific Division Roundup: Suns mull Brooks extension, LeBron scenario; Kings debate Acuff; Clippers consider cap paths
pacific-division-roundup-suns-brooks-lebron-kings-acuff-clippers-cap
Phoenix — Suns governor Mat Ishbia has publicly praised forward Dillon Brooks, and league rules allow the 30-year-old to sign a four-year extension projected at $125.4 million when talks open this summer. Team insiders told Sports360AZ’s Gerald Bourguet the franchise is expected to prioritize a new deal, though a contract that size is viewed as unlikely.
Bourguet reported that Phoenix values Brooks’ leadership and toughness despite uneven on-court production in his first season with the club. Brooks, never known for offensive efficiency, served as a consistent vocal leader in the locker room. Sources cited by Bourguet believe a three-year pact worth roughly $70-75 million or a four-year agreement in the $90-100 million range is a more realistic outcome. “Leadership and toughness don’t age,” one team source said.
Suns floated as long-shot LeBron destination
Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic outlined five reasons why LeBron James could theoretically choose Phoenix, while acknowledging the chances are “slim to none.” Rankin noted the 41-year-old would assume primary playmaking duties alongside Devin Booker, his teammate on the 2024 U.S. Olympic squad. James is also familiar with new head coach Jordan Ott, a former Lakers assistant, and guard Jordan Goodwin, who finished last season in Los Angeles. Proximity plays a role as well: the flight from L.A. to Phoenix is about one hour, and Tucson—where James’ younger son Bryce attends the University of Arizona—is roughly a two-hour drive.
Kings weigh Darius Acuff at No. 7
Arkansas freshman guard Darius Acuff has impressed the Sacramento front office, but Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee questioned whether the Kings should draft him if he is available with the seventh pick. While Acuff showcased star-level offensive skills, scouts found his defensive tape lacking. Anderson heard that several high-ranking executives inside the organization believe Acuff’s defense will develop and would be comfortable selecting him.
Clippers’ offseason still clouded by Aspiration probe
Yossi Gozlan of Third Apron wrote that the ongoing Aspiration investigation continues to influence the Clippers’ summer planning. Los Angeles can choose to operate either under the salary-cap room route or stay over the cap; the latter is considered more probable. Regardless of the path, the club is expected to have enough financial flexibility to pursue roster upgrades. Hoops Rumors’ Luke Adams also provided a separate cap-sheet overview of the Clippers’ options.
Source: Hoops Rumors
