Three New Year's Resolutions for the Phoenix Suns
2023 is officially here, as last year was jam-packed for the Phoenix Suns in numerous ways.
Today, everyone traditionally makes resolutions looking to create better versions of themselves for the next 12 months.
It shouldn’t be any different for NBA franchises.
Despite the Suns' tremendous accomplishments this year which includes breaking the franchise record in regular season wins with 64 and seeing continuous growth from a very promising young core, there are still many issues that Phoenix hope to tackle going into 2023.
Three New Year's Resolutions for the Phoenix Suns
Spend More Money
On Dec. 20, billionaire mortgage lender Mat Ishbia agreed to purchase the majority stake of the Suns. This is huge for the Suns as it ends an egregious 18-year era with Robert Sarver as the team owner.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. The Suns are in a place where they are able to compete for NBA titles but the championship window never lasts long.
In order to capitalize on this rare opportunity, Ishbia will have to go deep into his pockets and spend as much money as he can to ensure the Suns roster is fully loaded to go on a deep playoff run.
The Suns currently have the seventh highest luxury tax payroll with $167,152,588. They are behind teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors who have all won championships over the past three seasons.
It's clear Ishbia will have to be willing to pay beyond the luxury tax if they want to continue to be successful.
Not only do the Suns have to make sure they re-sign key pieces to their team such as Cam Johnson but will have to go shopping this upcoming offseason in free agency.
The Valley is a prime destination for players and there should be no reason the Suns are not able to attract top tier free agents.
Trade Jae Crowder
It has already been over three months since Jae Crowder requested a trade and he is still sitting on his couch waiting to exit the Valley.
He continues to remain a distraction for a Suns team that should be focusing strictly on winning basketball games. Also, with Johnson out indefinitely, Crowder’s absence from the team has left a gaping hole in the rotation.
It's time to trade Crowder.
The longer Crowder sits out, the worse his trade value will become. A new year should mark a fresh beginning for Crowder as well.
There seem to be a multitude of teams interested in Crowder right now including the Bucks and Atlanta Hawks. The Suns should take advantage now that teams are interested before it is too late.
While he is not currently playing, the risk of Crowder suffering an injury is still there which would tank any trade value he previously had.
Trading Crowder as soon as possible will also allow the players the Suns ultimately receive in return to have more time to gain chemistry with the team before the playoffs begin.
Win a Championship
Over the course of two seasons the Suns have made an NBA Finals and were the best statistical regular season team in the NBA. There is nowhere to go but up. The expectation now is to win a championship.
After underachieving in the playoffs last year another early playoff exit could mean drastic changes for a team that has proven they could compete with the best teams in the NBA.
Winning a championship will not only bring happiness of short term success but could upstart this young team that can compete for many more for years down the road. The majority of the Suns’ top players are under 24-years-old meaning a championship win now will only boost their confidence going forward into the future.
The Western Conference is not as strong as years prior. The Golden State Warriors are struggling, LeBron seems to be out of the playoff picture and the Clippers can’t shake off the injury bug to their star players.
The time is now for the Suns to go out and win it all.
