5 Players more likely to finish season as Suns starting point guard than Bradley Beal
By Tyler Watts
The Phoenix Suns have dramatically overhauled their roster under new owner Mat Ishbia, including trading for three-time All-Star Bradley Beal. It was a surprising summer that left the Suns are light on tradable assets but feeling like contenders.
The latest move was trading Cameron Payne to the Spurs to make room for Bol Bol. It left the Suns light at point guard with The Athletic reporting Beal is expected to start (subscription required) at the one. The 6’4 wing has averaged 5.5 assists per game over the last five years combined, but he is not viewed as a traditional point guard.
The Suns are not light on ball-handlers, but who should be their main creator? Does Phoenix need a point guard before the playoffs? Jordan Goodwin is the backup if this experiment fails, but expect the Suns to get aggressive in acquiring a true point guard. Who will be available to take over?
Players more likely to finish the season as Phoenix Suns starting point guard than Bradley Beal
5. Kyrie Irving
Fans heard about Kyrie meeting with the Suns in free agency, despite the restrictions that would be placed on his signing. The 6’2 guard went to Brooklyn to team with Kevin Durant, and he could be looking to do it again.
Things are different after he signed his new three-year $120 million deal with the Mavericks. He becomes eligible to be traded on Dec. 15, and his $37 million salary matches closely with Deandre Ayton’s $32.4 million. Would Phoenix make that trade? They are all-in, and if playmaking issues are holding them back, do not be surprised to see a change.
The Mavs struggled after acquiring Kyrie Irving but had a strong offseason of their own. If things are not working early in the season, all parties could look to move. Suns fans should keep an eye on what is happening with the rival Mavericks.