The Phoenix Suns have finally completed the Kevin Durant trade, moving him to the Houston Rockets in return for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. While this kicks off the offseason of changes for the Suns, Suns insider John Gambadoro revealed that the moves are likely to involve Bradley Beal as the piece on the way out. While speaking with the “Kevin O’Connor Show”, he said:
“There’s even reports out there that the Suns are going to re-route Jalen Green, and I’m reporting that’s not true. The Suns are plan is to keep Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks… It is all over social media right now that they’re going to re-route Jalen Green; they’re not. Their plan is to keep Jalen Green, and their plan is to keep the 10th pick.”
Gambadoro was among the first people who mentioned that any package from the Rockets would have to include Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., adding that the mention of Green is counterintuitive since the Suns already have Beal and Devin Booker. But the insider was also quick to deny any rumors of Green being on the way out. Thus, he followed these comments up by saying:
“They need to let go of a lot of players who were on the team last year. They’ve got to replace them with younger, cheaper options, because they’re still above the second apron – they’re going to get under it. The goal is to get under the second apron. I believe they will get under the second apron, and I do think Beal is going to be gone, and that can help a lot.”
The mention of Beal in this context primarily aids the Suns’ effort in shedding salary and coming under the second luxury tax apron. Considering how top-heavy the team was, with Durant, Booker, and Beal, the Suns find themselves in a tricky situation this offseason.
Beal is one of the most difficult contracts to trade. Last season, the guard averaged 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. While these are relatively solid numbers, considering Beal’s cap hit of $53.6 million next million, it is a massive overpay.
The additional trouble with Beal’s contract is that he has a no-trade clause, implying that he can veto any trade unless he wants to be traded. This makes it very challenging for Phoenix to negotiate any dealings for the 3x All-Star, especially considering his desire to run it back with the side.
The only option that remains is structuring a buyout in this case. But offloading the Suns’ guard could be a much better alternative for Phoenix in the long run. With another major contract coming off the books, the Suns can start rebuilding around young, talented players on significantly cheaper contracts.
The addition of Jalen Green isn’t as much of a negative in this regard. The 23-year-old recorded an average of 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. While his performances in the playoffs were less than awe-inspiring, the guard has a lot of room to grow.
Although it is beneficial to have an outright bucket-getter as a second option, the team will be in dire need of a point guard and a big man to complete their starting rotation. But with the offseason now in full swing, the Suns can begin constructing their roster for next season.
