The Phoenix Suns have had four straight losing seasons and no playoff berth since 2010. Last year’s 21-61 record was the worst in the NBA and second-worst in franchise history. Only nine days before the NBA season’s opening tip-off, the Suns made the decision to fire their General Manager, Ryan McDonough. James Jones and Trevor Bukstein will share the general manager duties on an interim basis. Jones is the team’s vice president of basketball operations and Bukstein was the assistant GM under McDonough.
During the offseason, Phoenix sent Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss to the Rockets for Ryan Anderson and De’Anthony Melton. They also waived Tyler Ulis, who started 43 games last season. Currently, the only true point guards left on the roster are Isaiah Canaan, Elie Okobo and Troy Daniels, not an ideal situation to be in.
Point Guard Struggles
They reportedly offered a second-round pick for T.J. McConell, but the 76ers declined. It was also reported by John Gambadaro they attempted to trade for Terry Rozier, Kemba Walker and Damian Lilliard. Two players the Suns could potentially make a run at are Kris Dunn and Markelle Fultz. They aren’t veterans, but they are both raw young players who have a massive amount of upside. Phoenix could look to move Josh Jackson, TJ Warren, or Dragan Bender in a trade.
Deandre Ayton
Phoenix drafted Deandre Ayton with the number one overall pick, and acquired Mikal Bridges on draft day. The Suns selected Zhaire Smith with the 16th pick, but shipped him and their first-round pick from the Miami Heat in the 2021 NBA Draft to Philly for Bridges. They also signed Jamal Crawford and Trevor Ariza in free agency. Both players will provide much-needed veteran leadership. Phoenix locked up Devin Booker to a 5-year, $158 million contract extension this offseason as well.
Deandre Ayton became the first player to record 18+ points, 10+ rebounds and 6+ assists in an NBA debut since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1969. The new look Suns squad has potential to begin turning the franchise around, but are in desperate need of a more established point guard. Look for them to continue to be in trade discussions throughout the season until they can get a deal done.
Related Articles
DFS Flurry ELITE: Making NBA DFS Easy
