5 Suns who won't last the entire season in Phoenix
By Tyler Watts
The Phoenix Suns believe they are title contenders. Trading for Bradley Beal this summer was a bold move to create a Big 3. The Suns are 12-8 after 20 games, despite not having all three stars on the floor yet. Beal has played just three times, but Phoenix is dangerous.
The Deandre Ayton trade drew plenty of criticism, but Jusuf Nurkic and Grayson Allen are silencing those rumblings. It gave the Suns some needed depth, but they may not be done making moves.
Phoenix is all-in on contending for a championship. New owner Mat Ishbia is not afraid to spend and the Suns will attempt to upgrade their roster before the Feb. 8 trade deadline and via the buyout market. If they find a move, who might be on their way out of the Valley of the Sun?
5. Jordan Goodwin
Goodwin is one of just three Suns to appear in each of their first 20 games, but the 6’3 guard is on a non-guaranteed contract. It does not fully lock in until Jan. 10 and is the only one on their books. If the Suns believe they can find an upgrade on the open market, Goodwin is the most likely to be waived.
The 25-year-old is averaging 6.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 steals in 17.1 minutes per game so far. His 39.0 percent shooting from the field must improve, and Goodwin rates barely over replacement level. He is close with Bradley Beal but needs to give a bit more on the floor.
Jordan Goodwin is a valued member of the rotation with Beal out, but his minutes are likely gone when he returns. If the Phoenix Suns believe they can land another veteran in the buyout market, the 25-year-old may be sent packing before his guarantee date in January.