As the Phoenix Suns prepare for the 2012 NBA Draft, they made sure to take care of business on the homefront first as the team extended qualifying offers to both Robin Lopez and Aaron Brooks, effectively making both players restricted free agents heading into next season.
Per Arizona Sports 620 on Twitter:
The #Suns have extended qualifying offers to both Robin Lopez and Aaron Brooks, making both players restricted free agents.
— Arizona Sports 620 (@AZSports620) June 28, 2012
Although not out of the woods yet with either player, taking them off of the regular free agent market will give the Suns some extra breathing room and decision making ability when the times is right this offseason. They can match any offers made by other teams before letting them go, another nice litmus test as to how desired they are around the league as well.
For more in depth discussion and analysis of the Phoenix Suns this offseason, including top quality coverage on the NBA Draft, make sure that you check out Bright Side of the Sun as well as SB Nation Arizona.
