The Phoenix Suns have once again become the center of attention for the NBA community following Bradley Beal’s blockbuster trade.
The Suns acquired Beal in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, and a haul of second-round picks. Beal’s arrival has skyrocketed the Suns’ chances of winning the 2024 NBA Championship. Speaking of which, the Suns’ potential lineup for the 2023-24 NBA season is looking stacked.
G: Devin Booker
G: Bradley Beal
F: Josh Okogie
F: Kevin Durant
C: Deandre Ayton
Now, that’s a phenomenal roster, at least on paper. Although Okogie is yet to sign a new deal with the Suns, if he returns, he will certainly be awarded a starting role. However, the Suns are in desperate need of adding depth to their roster. It was one of the biggest lingering issues for the franchise last season following the Kevin Durant trade.
As of now, the Suns have approximately $163 million in salaries committed to Durant, Booker, Beal, and Ayton. Apart from that, the Suns currently have Cameron Payne (non-guaranteed contract) and Ishmail Wainright (team option) on contract. Payne can make $6.5 million if his contract gets guaranteed, while Wainright would make just under $2 million if the Suns pick his team option.
The Phoenix Suns Could Trade Deandre Ayton To Add Depth To The Roster
One way to fix the depth problem would be to deal Ayton to another team via trade. In exchange for the 24-year-old, the Suns can add players in multiple positions.
On top of that, they will save approximately $32.4 million in salary. According to recent chatter, the Suns are confident that teams from around the NBA will be calling to acquire Ayton following Beal’s trade to the Suns.
“There are teams that will come calling for him,” an anonymous NBA GM said. “The Suns know that. He is on the backburner, but they’re ready to move him as soon as the right thing comes along. And at this point, if they can get a couple of really solid role players, that will be the right thing for them. That might not happen until we get into Summer League, though.”
Despite being on rocky terms with the Suns, Ayton earlier revealed that he loves Phoenix. He averaged 18.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 1.7 APG during the 2023-24 regular season.
Of course, Ayton still has the potential to become a crucial part of the Suns. But trading him for multiple bench players would be more advantageous for the franchise.
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