The Phoenix Suns, despite having star players like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, fell short of expectations in the 2023-24 season, narrowly escaping the play-in tournament only to be swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team’s high-priced roster has caused some to question their ability to compete for a title. Owner Mat Ishbia and GM James Jones are facing tough decisions on how to close the gap between expectations and results, with various suggestions from executives to either restructure the roster within a short window of playoff contention or tear it down for a rebuild.
One key suggestion is restructuring the supporting cast around Booker, Durant, and Beal by making other players on the team available for trade. The team lacks essential pieces like a rim-protecting big, decision-making point guard, and defensive wing, which are crucial for a winning franchise with championship aspirations. Finding the right role players to complement the core three stars will be a challenge, but is necessary for the team’s success moving forward.
Some executives suggest keeping the core three intact and adding better fitting pieces around them rather than starting over completely. This approach would help maintain a winning team while addressing the team’s obvious needs. However, the Suns’ current roster is filled with veterans whose strengths overlap rather than complement the stars, leading to questions about the team’s ability to contend.
Trade scenarios involving Booker, Durant, and Beal elicit mixed responses from executives, with the most compelling options involving Booker due to his age and All-Star status. There are rumors of mutual interest between Booker and the New York Knicks, who have the assets to potentially make a trade work while fulfilling the needs of the Suns. The Suns may need to consider moving on from Beal before losing leverage in the market, given his recent struggles and contract situation.
Overall, the Suns face a pivotal offseason in deciding how to improve their roster and contend for a championship. Whether they choose to restructure around the core three stars or make significant trades to change their course remains to be seen. The team’s options are limited due to a revised league salary cap and the need to address essential roster needs in order to compete at the highest level. Fans eagerly await the team’s decisions as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season.
