© Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Suns Land Star Guard Bradley Beal in Blockbuster Trade With Wizards
The Phoenix Suns have added a new star to the show.
NBA insider Shams Charania says the Washington Wizards are trading three-time All-Star Bradley Beal to the Suns for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, a handful of second-round picks, and multiple pick swaps,
Just two days ago, Phoenix was labeled as a finalist for Beal alongside the Miami Heat.
Now, Beal joins stars such as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in Phoenix.
It's just the latest in a string of splash moves by owner Mat Ishbia, who immediately acquired Durant just 12 hours after his introductory press conference. He also fired head coach Monty Williams 48 hours after the Suns bowed out of the postseason early again.
The Suns needed scoring - and that's exactly what they're getting with Beal. He has averaged no less than 23 points per game in each of the last five seasons. Phoenix struggled for sufficient scoring outside of Booker/Durant, and now that problem is solved.
However, there are concerns about Phoenix's depth - and those will especially be ramped up following the trade. Booker/Beal/Durant's salary combines for nearly $130 million, essentially forcing the Suns to acquire free agents on veteran minimums when it comes to the open market. They have ten players sit to hit some sort of free agency this summer.
Phoenix can also trade Deandre Ayton, which is rumored to happen at some point in the summer. The Suns say goodbye to Paul after he helped lead the team to heights such as the 2021 NBA Finals and a record-setting 64 win regular season.
