The Phoenix Suns are far ahead of schedule in competing for a playoff spot this season, but the long-term plans of Ryan McDonough remain unchanged.

“Our long-term approach hasn’t changed,” said McDonough. “We’re trying to get great players, through the draft or trade or free agency, but in the short term I think we’re ahead of what most people thought we would be. If we can use things like our cap space to help solidify our team we’ll do that, but at the same time we’re happy with the group we have.”

The Suns stood pat at the deadline and could have as much as $25 million in cap space in the offseason.

“We’re trying to be patient and not do anything to jeopardize our cap space for long-term planning,” McDonough said. “We feel like we’re off to a good start. We have a good foundation to be successful with our financial flexibility, draft picks, and most importantly, with the ways our young guys have played and what they’ve shown. But we’ve still got a ways to go to get from pretty good to great — that championship level.”