Pros, Cons to Suns' Splash Move for Bradley Beal
The Phoenix Suns have acquired three-time NBA all-star Bradley Beal in a deal Sunday afternoon first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Beal, 29 years old, will head to Phoenix to form a new big three in the Valley and help stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant get over the franchise’s challenging NBA title quest.
Involved in the deal is veteran guard Chris Paul, who was waived earlier in the week with the expectation of him resigning with the Suns under the veteran minimum. Paul, a contributing factor to the current Suns roster and style of play, has now been traded to the Washington Wizards.
Other pieces in the trade include Landry Shamet, a sharp-shooting wing/guard with experience in the league. The Wizards will also receive multiple second round picks and pick swaps with the Suns, which does not include a first-round pick in the trade.
The big offseason move has reenergized the NBA media as the Suns look to be pushing even harder for the franchises first title. New owner Matt Ishbia has made it no secret that he will spend money in order to put the team in the best situation talent wise, but what could come next may haunt the Suns in the end.
The depth of the Phoenix Suns now becomes the biggest question mark in a season that is certain to have the biggest expectations in franchise history.
Pro
Bradley Beal
It took Beal 11 years to exit the nation's capital, and when he did, he left with an impressive catalog of scoring and leadership. There's no question in Beal’s commitment to the franchise - Beal had a no trade clause wedged into his deal with the Wizards. His time spent in D.C. was a cycle of hope and despair over more than a decade, but Beal managed to propel his way to a star in the league due to his steady play.
The 6’4” shooting guard will add to an already lethal duo. Averaging 22 points per game, Beal will be yet another option for head coach Frank Vogel to play with. Beal’s experience as a leader on a Wizards team has also led to Beal becoming a well-rounded NBA player.
Bradley Beal is an experienced NBA star ready to win a championship with the Suns.
© Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
As Vogel takes the position as head coach, a new culture is supposedly coming to Phoenix. Beal matches a grind style team culture that Vogel has been vocalizing since his hiring. Beal has transformed over his career into a mature shooting guard that plays with fire, something that bodes well for a team looking to change the effort level on and off the court.
This kind of player compliments the style of ownership, coaching and play that will be coming to Phoenix come the 2023-24 season, one that has been famished for the taste of champagne.
Con
Depth
Much can be made about the Sun's landing another star, though the other side of the coin is the uncertainty of the role players. In the recent past, role players have contributed to the success of NBA teams like no other. The Suns are no different as the talent becomes apparent.
Currently, the Suns have only four players under guaranteed contracts:
-Devin Booker
- Kevin Durant
- Deandre Ayton
- Bradley Beal
Free agents will be the biggest question mark for the Suns with not much wiggle room. If $161 million dollars is dished out to the aforementioned four players, this does not leave the Suns with many options.
The Suns bench will now become the biggest issue for the Suns loaded with individual talent.
Restricted free agents for the Suns include PF Darius Bazley and C Jock Landale. Landale is expected to be matched depending on the offer by another team or signed to a qualifying offer as a backup center pending Ayton’s complex situation with the team.
Unrestricted free agents is where the Suns may lose some players and will have to make do with the money they are willing to spend. Six players are set to be unrestricted free agents with two eligible for early bird bids.
It is common belief around the team that Josh Okogie, after the improvements made this season will be signed and bright back along with one to two others players. But the depth of the team will be a looming issue that could become scary if an injury is to occur or minutes are taxing on the starting players.
Pro
Devin Booker at point guard
An interesting aspect to the trade will be the ball handling capabilities now that Paul is no longer. The offense will presumably run through either Booker or Beal, as both are listed as shooting guards. One will have to take the 1 position on the floor and play a position that demands the most out of any player on the floor with the responsibilities of the rock.
If Booker is given the nod, it may be a fast paced attack. Booker will be given free rein to control the offense, dishing to newly acquired Beal and impossible-to-guard Durant. The Suns can expect a barrage of mid range jump shots with now three accurate shooters in the lineup.
Devin Booker may transform into a ball handling point guard coming into the 2023-24 NBA season.
But Booker will have big shoes to fill. It is time for Booker to be the ball handler in a Suns uniform, but the health and flow of the offense will be handled by a player that has technically never done it in his career. Booker averages 4.8 assists in his career, expect that number to have a slight increase as Beal and Durant let it fly during the season.
Con
Losing Chris Paul
The narrative around Paul’s lack of NBA championships may be the ultimate tarnish on the veteran’s resume at this point. But to point the finger at CP3 throughout his career for the shortcomings of a team accomplishment is irresponsible and a belittlement to his career.
As Chris Paul's time in Phoenix comes to a close, the offense will certainly look different.
Paul was a leader in Phoenix for the three seasons with the Suns and contributed to the turnaround of the franchise. His pick-and-roll ability with C Deandre Ayton was a constant fixture in the Suns offense for years and led to the opening of Booker’s individual scoring efforts as the years have gone by.
Paul’s team play will also take a hit to the Valley. Across three seasons, Paul averaged 9.5 assists for the Suns. In an era of individual scoring talent and players capable of taking over games, Paul brought a unique talent to the game that has carried over success for the 18-year point guard.
Pro
Suns shooting
The deal to acquire Beal has now put the Suns at what many would consider the best shooting team in the NBA now. With three scorers in the mid range level, Footprint Center can expect to see plenty of swishes on a nightly basis. Beal has the capability to score in bunches too. Beal has 30 career games with 40 points or more, that’s more than Booker.
Beal’s efficient stroke is one of the purest in the game and one of the more consistent scorers in the league. Beal has shot 46% on field goals in 11 years, a remarkable pace of consistency. His 37% from 3-point range is also a testament to the scoring ability and confidence in his shot.
The Suns will soon have three players known for their ability to score. Combine that with a defensive minded coach and players that are willing to buy into a scrappy mentality can lead to impressive heights for Phoenix.
