The Phoenix Suns have identified San Antonio Spurs veteran Harrison Barnes and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade as primary targets for the upcoming free agency period. Reports from ClutchPoints on May 8, 2026, indicate the franchise seeks to add size and perimeter shooting after being eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
According to ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel, the Suns are expected to utilize their full mid-level exception to address deficiencies at the wing and power forward positions. The team reportedly aims to maintain its core of Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks while enhancing secondary depth for the 2026-27 season.
“The Suns should have access to their full mid-level exception in free agency, and they will look to see what options are available in free agency, specifically on the wing and at the power forward positions. Sources say San Antonio Spurs veteran forward Harrison Barnes and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade are two free agents Phoenix will have early interest in when free agency begins.” said Brett Siegel, ClutchPoints reporter.
Siegel further noted that the front office is hesitant to make major changes to the starting lineup, preferring to see the current core compete with improved health. The Suns are also prioritizing the retention of Collin Gillespie and Mark Williams, as reported by ClutchPoints and Arizona Sports.
“Do not expect major changes to the Suns’ core, as this front office wants to see Booker, Green, Brooks, and secondary depth have a full season of health to compete in the West.” said Brett Siegel, ClutchPoints reporter.
Harrison Barnes, who will be 34 next season, recently completed a tenure with the San Antonio Spurs where he earned $19 million. He averaged 9.9 points per game this season and maintains a career 38.5% average from beyond the arc while missing only 10 games over the last five years.
Dean Wade brings a different profile at 29 years old, having spent his entire six-season career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Wade, a 6-foot-9 defender who shot 36.2% from three-point range this year, previously worked with Suns head coach Jordan Ott during the 2024-25 season in Cleveland.
Financial constraints may dictate the team’s aggressiveness, as Cleveland is operating over the second apron and San Antonio holds Bird rights for Barnes. Yahoo Sports reports that the Suns’ interest in Wade could intensify if the team moves on from current roster members Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neale.