Only Two Suns Remain From 2021 NBA Finals Squad
It feels like just yesterday when the Phoenix Suns captured the hearts of everyone in the state of Arizona in their magical run to the 2021 NBA Finals.
The Suns eventually built a 2-0 lead over the Milwaukee Bucks before ultimately dropping their next four games, but success has now been the standard around Phoenix - and that won't be satisfied until their fingerprints are on the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Massive changes under new owner Mat Ishbia have been nothing out of the ordinary since first taking over back in February.
Now, only two players (Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton) remain from that historic 2021 team.
Here's where the rest of the squad went:
HC Monty Williams - Williams was fired after the Suns lost in the second round of the Western Conference Playoffs this past year. After initially wanting to take a year away from the game, he joined the Detroit Pistons that rest the head coaching market on a massive six-year, $78.5 million deal.
PG Chris Paul - Paul was traded this offseason to the Washington Wizards as part of a package that brought over Bradley Beal. Just days later, Paul was moved to the Golden State Warriors in a deal that netted Washington Jordan Poole.
PG Cam Payne - Payne was also traded this offseason, but in Phoenix's most recent transaction with the San Antonio Spurs that included cash considerations and a second-round pick.
PG Javon Carter - After the Finals run, Carter and draft rights to Day'Ron Sharpe were dealt to the Brooklyn Nets for Landry Shamet. Carter has since played for the Nets and Bucks before recently inking a deal with the Chicago Bulls.
SG E'Twaun Moore - The following season, Moore signed with the Orlando Magic but was later waived without registering a game played for the organization. He hasn't signed anywhere since.
SG Langston Galloway - Galloway joined the Golden State Warriors the following season in free agency and has since bounced up and down from teams such as the Brooklyn Nets/Milwaukee Bucks and the G League, where he currently plays for the College Park Skyhawks.
SG Ty'Shon Alexander - Alexander was waived the following August and went to the Italy to continue his career in the LBA, where he spent two seasons before landing back in the G League. He's currently with the Delaware Blue Coats.
SF Abdel Nader - Nader was waived in February of the following season and hasn't played since, though he reportedly will be competing in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
SF Torrey Craig - Craig spent a few more seasons with Phoenix before recently signing with the Chicago Bulls in free agency.
SF Mikal Bridges - Bridges was a key part of the massive deal made last February that landed Kevin Durant in Phoenix. Bridges has thrived with the Brooklyn Nets and will be competing for the USA in the upcoming 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
PF Jalen Smith - Smith was traded the following season to the Indiana Pacers (along with a second-round pick) for Torrey Craig, and has since enjoyed a nice resurgence in Indiana.
PF Cam Johnson - Johnson was the other key part of the deal with the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant, and recently signed a massive four-year, $108 million deal to stay with the team.
PF Jae Crowder - After sitting out every game possible to begin last season, Crowder was a minor part of the deal sent to the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant. He was swiftly traded to the Milwaukee Bucks and recently signed a one-year deal to remain with the team.
C Dario Saric - Near the trade deadline last season, Saric was moved alongside a future second-round pick and cash to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Darius Bazley. Saric recently signed a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors.
C Frank Kaminsky - Kaminsky ended up being waived right ahead of the 2022 postseason due to injury and later inked a deal with the Atlanta Hawks. He was dealt near last year's trade deadline to the Houston Rockets and is currently a free agent.
C Damian Jones - Jones was waived and has since spent time with the Lakers, Kings and Jazz before recently signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
