Author: Monojit Mandal
The Phoenix Suns are reportedly considering major roster changes following their devastating early exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. Although it’s common for clubs to revise their line-up after being eliminated, the Suns seem eager to make significant changes in order to recover better next season.
Many teams would consider reaching the Conference semi-finals to be a commendable achievement. However, the Suns’ deadline acquisitions, most notably Kevin Durant, have increased the team’s load and raised expectations to new heights. With a star-studded roster that included Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, the Suns’ hopes were high for a long run in the playoffs.
Although getting Durant was a great achievement, the Suns had to get rid of important assets in their deal with the Brooklyn Nets. The departure of these players, along with the humiliating defeat at home to the Denver Nuggets, has prompted serious reflection on the rebuilding of the team for next season.
The Suns’ 125-100 loss to the first-place Nuggets in their last game had fans wondering about the team’s future plans. This setback seems to have influenced the organization’s decision to make such changes.
The Suns, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, may be willing to trade both Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton during the summer. Ayton’s departure has been speculated since last year, when the Indiana Pacers made a substantial offer, but the Suns opted to keep him for the time being. Ayton’s performance in decisive games attracted a lot of criticism, making his likely departure a viable option.
Paul’s replacement would be based on his availability and not his performance on the court. Due to injuries, the 38-year-old point guard missed the Suns’ previous four games. In addition, his contract contains a $30 million club option that becomes fully guaranteed on June 28. With these considerations, the Suns are expected to make a choice before the deadline.
The next summer of the Phoenix Suns promises to be an exciting one.
With the risk of losing established talents such as Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, the Suns are preparing for a critical rebuild that will turn them into a real title contender next season.