Suns are just 8 steps from serious title contention

The Suns missed the playoffs. So did the Celtics, Lakers and Knicks.

The challenge in Phoenix is to win a championship before any of those traditional powers. Here's how it happens:

1. Match any offer for Eric Bledsoe, who is a restricted free agent. This sounds obvious, but the scenario is a little more complicated.

Publicly, Bledsoe remains indifferent about Arizona. No matter how many times he's asked, he refuses to commit to Phoenix. Asked on Thursday if he could see dropping roots in the Valley, he responded:

"Like I said, I'm going into the summer, enjoy my family. Whatever happens next year, it happens."

That sounds ominous, but Bledsoe's motives are fairly transparent. By acting disconnected, he is effectively encouraging teams to extend him an offer sheet, which only helps his earning power.

Meanwhile, General Manager Ryan McDonough is sending counter-strike signals, advising other NBA teams not to waste their time.

It's a shame that Bledsoe can't express his true feelings, which would only enhance his popularity on Planet Orange. Either way, the Suns have to match.

2. Make a pitch for LeBron James, who can opt out of his contract after the season is over. James and Bledsoe share the same agent, so communication shouldn't be an issue. And I'm hearing the Suns will be more than ready with a presentation, should the opportunity arise.

Smart money says James plays one more season in Miami, and then joins Phil Jackson in New York. But it never hurts to ask, as long as you don't get caught tampering. You don't want to get on Pat Riley's bad side.

3. Make a pitch to the Timberwolves for disgruntled star Kevin Love, a statistical monster who becomes a free agent after the 2014-15 season.

Love is from Santa Monica, Calif. He went to college at UCLA. His father once played for the Lakers, a team with a legacy like no other.

But the Lakers are also coming off a 55-loss season. And if the point is to join a contender — Love hasn't seen the postseason during his six years in Minneapolis — the Suns might be a better option than his hometown team.

The Suns have plenty of draft picks, and could put together a very attractive package.

4. Embrace the strength of the team, which is the collaboration of starring point guards — Bledsoe and Goran Dragic.

It's clear the Suns don't have to do this, as Dragic emerged as a MVP candidate when Bledsoe was on the shelf, and the team remains very excited about Archie Goodwin, who scored 29 points with extended minutes in the season finale.

Yet the high-octane pairing is what made the Suns so unique, even if it's a luxury that will require great care and commitment. To wit:

Dragic has outperformed his current contract (4 years, $30 million). He will rank far below Bledsoe in salary when the two return next season. Dragic can then opt out of his contract after 2014-15 by declining his $7.5 million player option.

So, can the Suns afford two big-dollar point guards and still construct a championship team around them? The answer is yes, as long as Robert Sarver isn't averse to short-term luxury tax.

At a time when franchises are skyrocketing in worth — the Bucks sold for a whopping $550 million, far more than Forbes' most recent valuation — the Suns owner should have a high tolerance for pain, especially when a title run would do wonders for his own legacy.

5. If Love and James are off the market, sign free agent Pau Gasol. The 7-foot center would fill a glaring need, giving the Suns a versatile post presence on offense.

Gasol has a lot of mileage, but he's only 33, and is a very smart player.

He has said he'll consider an offer from the Knicks, where he'd be reunited with Jackson.

But New York has very little flexibility this off-season, and Gasol could be the perfect short-term solution in Phoenix.

6. Draft wisely. The Suns have three first-round picks, and leveraging those assets for a marquee player is the top priority. But the team could use a power forward or a great perimeter shooter like Creighton's Doug McDermott. Personally, I love the versatility and athleticism of Wichita State senior Cleanthony Early.

7. Develop Alex Len, who needs to contribute next season. That means staying in the Valley over the summer, working on all the things he learned as a rookie.

8. Understand it will never be this good again until that elusive trophy finally arrives. The Suns will never enter a season with fans encouraging them to lose every game, to tank for a lottery pick.

The Suns will never again miss out on the playoffs with three key losses in four games, and be patted on the head, commended for their effort.

This was a year when the Suns needed 22 victories to exceed expectations. Next season, anything less than 50 will be unacceptable.

"People used to stop me, give me a hard time, (say) 'Congratulations, you've ruined the franchise,' " Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby said.

"Now, people are patting me on the back, telling me how much they loved this team. It's been a wonderful experience, but we haven't done anything yet. We've just turned the ship around."

Reach Bickley at dan.bickley@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8253. Follow him at twitter.com/danbickley. Listen to "The Dan Bickley Show with Vince Marotta," weekdays from 12-2 p.m. on Arizona Sports 620 (KTAR-AM).