The Phoenix Suns still hope to make a deep playoff run, but things have not gone as planned. Going all-in for Bradley Beal was supposed to make them unquestioned title contenders, but the Suns are trying to avoid the Play-In Tournament over the final weeks. Injuries and disappointing play are to blame, and the Suns must be better.
Upgrading their roster gets more difficult this summer as the second tax apron penalties kick in. They won’t have the taxpayer mid-level exception and cannot aggregate players in a trade. Phoenix will struggle to make deals and just has minimum contracts to offer in free agency.
The restrictions could force the Suns to get creative this summer. Those types of moves are often unpopular with fans but could help the franchise short and long term. Phoenix wants to be a title contender and these trades are worth exploring even if they upset supporters.
5. Deal 2024 1st round pick for immediate upgrade
Devin Booker and Grayson Allen are the only two Suns playing more than 17 minutes per game who are under 30 years old at the start of the 2024-25 season. Kevin Durant turns 36 in September, and the Suns have an extremely top-heavy roster. Adding some youth and developing talent is a must if Phoenix wants to avoid disaster as their core ages, but that is not how new owner Mat Ishbia has operated.
The Suns cannot trade their 2024 first-round pick until draft night but expect the franchise to stay all-in. They will shop the selection for a veteran capable of playing a role right now. Adding a true point guard, big man, and shooting is a must. Expect the Suns to target one of those weaknesses as they explore what their first-round pick can net them.
It would not be surprising if they packaged their selection with their starting center to attempt to acquire a larger upgrade that fits better around their Big 3.
The NBA Playoffs are beginning soon and you can get ready with a chance to win big this weekend at FanDuel. You'll get $200 in bonus bets if you can correctly predict the winner of any NBA game - this weekend only! All you have to do is sign up, deposit $10 or more and then bet $5 or more on any team to win. Click this link to sign up with FanDuel today!