Former Phoenix Suns are helping USA en route to potential golden finish

We are officially in a new era of Phoenix Suns basketball, yet still one that sees them as a legitimate title contender. The era they have left behind is that of the old, which saw them go head-to-head with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the NBA Finals but ultimately lose in six games.

They were two games away from winning the franchise’s first-ever NBA Championship. Chris Paul and Devin Booker would have hoisted their first-ever Larry O’Brien Trophy, with Suns fans everywhere rejoicing and likely crying tears of joy.

They have moved on from that team, though. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton are the only two players left from that Finals squad heading into the 2023-2024 season.

Chris Paul, a vital part of that 2020-2021 team, is now in Golden State, where he will still have another opportunity to win his first ring. Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, two more cornerstone pieces of that team, are now on the Brooklyn Nets, where they were traded for Kevin Durant.

However, Johnson and Bridges look to be on their way to winning their own hardware without the Suns.

Former Suns could be on their way to gold medal

Both players are on Team USA, where they are competing in the FIBA World Cup. Both players are playing well, too. Not to mention, the team is currently looking like the favorites to win the gold medal. They are destroying anyone in their way, as they currently sit in the third round.

In 19 minutes per game, Bridges is averaging around eight points per game and is shooting 70 percent from the floor. Johnson, who hasn’t been doing as well but is still contributing to a stacked roster, is averaging five points per game in 15 minutes.

As things currently stand, that is not a trade the Suns would undo. It has yet to be a full season, and we have really yet to see how the Durant trade will pan out. However, I know the Suns have to miss having players like the two of them on their roster.

At least they are both doing well in their life after the Suns.