Former NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose will become a free agent in July after the New York Knicks elected to decline his $15.6 million team option for the 2023-24 season. Per Fred Katz of the Athletic, there is still a chance Rose could return to the Knicks on a more team-friendly deal during the free agency period.

“The Knicks are declining Derrick Rose’s $15.6M team option, league source confirms to The Athletic. I’m told this doesn’t close the door to a potential return for Rose on a cheaper contract. He’ll now enter unrestricted free agency this summer,” Katz tweeted on June 24.

However, Steve Popper of Newsday, who was first to report that the Knicks would be declining Rose’s option, says several teams could be interested in the former All-Star’s services, including the Phoenix Suns.

“There are contending teams — the Lakers, Suns, Celtics, or even a return to his hometown Bulls — who could have minutes available at point guard for Rose,” Popper writes.

Suns Need a Playmaking Point Guard

Rose has not been an MVP-caliber player for quite some time now. Last season he appeared in just 27 games and averaged 5.6 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 rebounds. But with the offensive firepower of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and the recent addition of Bradley Beal to the roster, the Suns do not need Rose to be that.

The only point guards the Suns have under contract for next season are Cameron Payne and Jordan Goodwin. For reference, Payne averaged 8.1 points per game in the playoffs and Goodwin, who was acquired in the Washington Wizards trade and did not make the playoffs last season, averaged just 6.6 points per game. Rose could be a significant upgrade.

After trading Paul, the Suns do not have a true starting point guard. That could become problematic because despite Beal, Durant, and Booker being top-class scorers, they are not particularly known for their playmaking ability. For his career, Rose averages 5.3 assists per game. Although he is no longer among the elite point guards in the NBA, it is worth the Suns taking a chance at Rose on a veteran’s minimum deal.

Suns Free Agency Options Will Be Scarce

With the free agency period approaching in July, the Phoenix Suns are still looking to build out their roster in hopes of becoming a title contender. They have already made several key moves since being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.

They fired Monty Williams and hired former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel to replace him. They also traded Paul in a blockbuster trade that landed them Beal. But the next task may be among the most difficult for the Suns’ front office as they turn their attention to building around their stars.

Here is the reality: players like Rose are not the most attractive in the free-agent pool. But other cream-of-the-crop free agents such as Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Fred VanVleet won’t be available to Phoenix unless they are willing to take a significant pay cut. This is due to the fact that the Suns have already utilized most of their cap space on their All-Star trio. It will be interesting to see how they build out their roster.

The beginning of the NBA free agency period is just mere days away, and the Phoenix Suns will have a challenging task on their hands in trying to build around their All-Star trio of Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant. With minimum cap space to work with, they will likely be forced to pick from a group of ring-chasing veterans.

There was speculation that the Suns might dangle their starting big man Deandre Ayton as trade bait to land one or two serviceable role players to assist their main cast members. However, per NBA insider Chris B. Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Suns are no longer shopping their star big man on the trade market and intend to “move forward” with him as a member of their roster.

“Phoenix Suns are moving forward with the plan of keeping Deandre Ayton to play alongside Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal,” Haynes tweeted on June 25.

Suns Tried to Trade Deandre Ayton to Sixers

A recent report from Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer suggested that the Suns offered Ayton to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Tobias Harris, but Sixers’ general manager Darryl Morey did not budge. When the Sixers shut down their offer, the Suns upped the stakes and asked Philadelphia to get a third team involved, which they vehemently denied.

“The Sixers have no interest in the 7-foot, 250-pounder with three years and $102 million left on his contract. And why would they when franchise player and reigning MVP Joel Embiid, like Ayton, plays center? The Sixers also do not have any interest in any of the players the Suns would make available,” Pompey said of Ayton.

“So, Phoenix wants the Sixers to get a third team involved to facilitate the deal, according to a source. However, the Sixers are unwilling to do so.”

Can Deandre Ayton Work With New Look Suns?

One has to wonder if the Suns’ decision to “move forward” with Ayton is because they want him on the team or if they have just given up on trying to trade him. Is it just a coincidence that the Suns have completed two blockbuster trades in the last five months, and Ayton remains a member of the Suns’ roster? Even though Phoenix has been actively shopping him since being eliminated from the playoffs.

Or is it more likely that teams do not want Ayton on their roster, even though he is still a 7-footer and just 24 years old? When Ayton is actively engaged, he is still one of the best centers in the NBA. But there are times when he is disengaged, and everything unravels for him. It is one of the reasons that Monty Williams had him split the minutes at the five spot with undrafted center Jock Landale in the playoffs.

But maybe Williams being on the outskirts and a championship-winning head coach in Frank Vogel coming in to take his place could be just what Ayton needs to ensure he reaches an elite level. With a huge season coming up, the Suns will need him to play at his highest level. It will be interesting to see if he can get it done.

Since the February NBA trade deadline, Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia and general manager James Jones have done a bang-up job bringing more star power to the Valley. A blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets at the deadline landed them two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant, and on the night of the NBA draft, they landed All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal in a deal that saw them part ways with their veteran point guard Chris Paul.

But this next stage of roster construction will be equally important for the Suns. Building around their stars with solid role players could be the difference between an NBA title or a third consecutive second-round exit.

Per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Suns are among the teams interested in acquiring Philadelphia 76ers sharpshooter Tobias Harris.

“The Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, and Dallas Mavericks joined the previously mentioned Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, and Detroit Pistons as teams making inquiries about the 30-year-old’s availability, according to sources,” Pompey said of Harris.

Sixers Prefer to Keep Tobias Harris

Next season the Sixers’ sharpshooter will be entering the final year of a 5-year, $180 million deal with the franchise, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2024.

Harris is not a household name amongst NBA players, but make no doubt about it, he can ball with the best of them. Last season he averaged 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His level of play elevated even more in the postseason, where he averaged 15.3 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 52.3% from the field.

The Sixers’ future currently hangs in the balance with James Harden’s looming free agency decision. But one thing that remains pat is that despite Harris being on an expiring contract, the franchise prefers to keep him in the city of brotherly love.

“Will they stand pat and hold onto Tobias Harris heading into the final season of his contract? Or will they succumb to the inquiries they’re receiving and trade the power forward for complementary players and assets?” Pompey added.

“The Sixers have been adamant that they’re not willing to trade him unless it drastically improves their team. They made that clear on draft night and don’t intend to change their stance.”

Sixers Uninterested in Suns’ Trade Assets

The Suns would have to do some elite persuading to get the Sixers to pull the trigger on a Harris trade. Per Pompey, Philadelphia made an offer to the Cleveland Cavaliers that would have sent Harris to Cleveland in exchange for All-Star big man Jarrett Allen, 2021 lottery pick Evan Mobley, and a future draft pick. And with limited assets at their disposal, the Suns will be hard-pressed to assemble a trade package that would entice Sixers general manager Daryl Morey.

The only notable asset Phoenix has is their starting center, Deandre Ayton. And with Sixers big man Joel Embiid entering next season as the reigning NBA MVP, his value to the Sixers is minimal. Pompey also notes that the Suns’ suggested that the Sixers get a third team involved in the deal to sweeten their trade return, but Philadelphia is unwilling to do so.

“The only thing is Phoenix would have to move Deandre Ayton. The Sixers have no interest in the 7-foot, 250-pounder with three years and $102 million left on his contract. And why would they when franchise player and reigning MVP Joel Embiid, like Ayton, plays center? The Sixers also don’t have any interest in any of the players the Suns would make available,” Pompey said.

“So, Phoenix wants the Sixers to get a third team involved to facilitate the deal, according to a source. However, the Sixers are unwilling to do so.”

Kevin Durant is one of the greatest basketball players to grace the NBA with his presence. But despite his other-worldly talent, Durant has no issue embracing his fans (and haters) by exchanging in Twitter banter. On June 22, The Phoenix Suns’ superstar entered the Legend of Winning Twitter space after one fan called him out for the lack of criticism he receives for his playoff blunders compared to other players, such as Lakers star Anthony Davis.

Amid the conversation, several speakers in the space began to question Davis’s defense because of how well Nikola Jokic performed in the Lakers’ series against the Denver Nuggets. Durant did not hesitate to come to the Laker big man’s defense.

“To question Anthony Davis’s defensive prowess is insane,” Durant said in the space. “Every series is going to be different. One guy will have a great series before and next, are they good players at the end of the day?”

Could Chris Paul Reunite With Suns

For those who may be tardy to the party, the Suns traded Chris Paul to the Washington Wizards in a deal that landed them All-Star guard Bradley Beal ahead of the NBA Draft. On NBA Draft night, the Wizards traded Paul to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for their star guard Jordan Poole. Per Chris B. Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Warriors intend to keep the All-Star guard this season.

But the NBA is ever-changing, and with the free agency period just days away, the Warriors could have a change of heart. If Golden State decides to move on, John Voita of SB Nation believes a reunion between Paul and the Suns is a viable option.

“What is unique about this transaction as it relates to the Suns is it opens the door for the possibility of Chris Paul potentially returning to the Valley. The way it works is simple: if a team trades a player, and then that player is waived, they cannot return to the team that traded him. The “reacquisition rule” prevents teams from doing this. This rule is intended to prohibit teams from bypassing salary cap laws by trading a player to another team and then signing him to a new deal right away,” Voita writes.

“There is a loophole, however, and that is if that player is traded again then waived. In July 2016 the Warriors traded Andrew Bogut to the Mavericks, and in February 2017 the Mavericks traded Bogut to the Sixers, who waived him. Because of the two trades, Bogut could have resigned with the Warriors. If the Golden State Warriors did this move simply in an effort to salary dump Jordan Poole’s contract, and if they choose to waive Chris Paul, he could return to the Suns”

Suns Entering Critical Free Agency Period

In exactly one week, the free agency period will begin. And although the Suns have done the bulk of their heavy lifting throughout the season after acquiring Beal and Durant, there is still work to be done by their front office.

After trading Paul, the Suns do not have a true starting point guard, which won’t bode well as they have three volume shooters who are not particularly known for their playmaking ability. And the only point guards they have under contract for next season are Cameron Payne and Jordan Goodwin.

They also have decisions to make on key free agents this summer including Josh Okogie, Torrey Craig, and Terrence Ross. It will be interesting to see what additional moves they make.

For those who may be tardy to the party, the Phoenix Suns parted ways with veteran point guard Chris Paul. He got sent to the Washington Wizards in a deal that landed the Suns All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal, one of the top scorers in the NBA. Although Paul is not as spry as he used to be, he still has a lot of game left in his tank. And at 38 years old, he is still looking to be a contributor on a title contender.

After being dealt to the Wizards just days prior, Washington traded Paul to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for star guard Jordan Poole hours before the NBA Draft on June 22. In an interview with Lindsay Czarniak, Paul reacted to being traded yet again and his excitement to join the Warriors dynasty.

“I’m excited, I’m grateful like I said,” Paul said of his reaction to the trade. “To get an opportunity to play with that core group of players: Steph, Klay, Draymond, Looney, Wiggs, all of them, play for Steve … So, I definitely want to get on the phone and talk to those guys and whatnot and see what’s what.”

Can Chris Paul Thrive in Warriors Bench Role?

Paul has become a journeyman in every sense of the word. Naturally, he has been in every situation imaginable during his NBA career. Whether it was the highest of highs during his super team stint with the Suns or expectations were nonexistent as they were in his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Paul has always had to adjust.

Now an unfamiliar situation has presented itself to the All-Star point guard. With the scoring ability of Klay Thompson and Steph Curry, coupled with the playmaking ability of Draymond Green, the need for Paul’s offensive skillset in the Warriors’ starting lineup is minimal.

Paul could thrive in a role for Golden State’s second unit. Some may think that a bench Paul is beneath him, but in the latter years of his career, leading the second unit with raw, talented players such as Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga could be exactly what the Warriors need from him.

Chris Paul, Dubs Union Could Be Mutually Beneficial

Paul has been on his share of talented teams, and each time has been a massive failure. But could this finally be the year that he gets his ring? Sure, Paul has played with the likes of James Harden, Devin Booker, and Blake Griffin. But as talented as those guys are, none have title experience.

Now entering a situation where he is joining the dynasty led by three four-time champions, Green, Curry, and Thompson, in addition to a championship-winning head coach in Steve Kerr, Seerat Sohi of “The Ringer” thinks this could be the ideal situation for Paul and the Warriors.

“At this stage in both of their timelines, the Warriors might be exactly what Paul needs, and vice versa. Despite the incorrigibility of Paul’s style, there are very few roles he has not adapted to. He has been the MVP-level leading man in New Orleans and Los Angeles; the old-head guide in Oklahoma City; Harden’s and Devin Booker’s sidekick in Houston and Phoenix, respectively; and, most recently, the third fiddle learning to spot up and play off the ball after KD arrived,” she writes.

“His experience dealing with those variabilities could help him adjust to a role that will likely require him to come off the bench some nights and watch crunch time from the sidelines on others. But this, make no mistake, will be the greatest adaptation he has had to make. Paul is a bona fide future Hall of Famer. Going back to high school, there has never been any doubt that the father of the modern pick-and-roll, the most precise point guard of his generation, would be starting and finishing games.”

By the time the Suns were done dealing on Thursday night, following the ironing out of details on the trade that sent Bradley Beal to Phoenix from Washington, a stunning reality showing just how all-in the Suns have gone on winning a championship in the short term came into focus.

The Suns do not control any of their draft picks over the next seven years. Yes, not until 2031 does Phoenix have a pick that is unencumbered by a trade or a potential draft swap.

Phoenix did use its second-round pick in Thursday’s draft to select Toumani Camara, a forward from Dayton, at No. 52. But it will be a long time before the Suns get to use another draft pick on their own.

In all, getting Beal cost the Suns three potential first-round pick swaps from Washington. It also sent the Wizards a staggering six second-round picks. Add the to that the fact that the Suns also owe the Nets four first-rounders and a pick swap going back to the Kevin Durant trade—plus the trade for Darius Bazley from Oklahoma City at least year’s deadline—and the franchise is all out of draft assets going forward.

One league executive chuckled about it. “I have never seen anything like that,” he said.

Suns Owe All Second-Round Picks to Wizards, Nets, Thunder

Here is the rundown of the Suns’ picks in the future. Which is to say, the NOT-Suns picks:

2024

First round: Washington swap

Second round: To Washington

2025

First round: To Brooklyn

Second round: To Washington

2026

First round: Washington swap

Second round: To Washington

2027

First round: To Brooklyn

Second round: To Washington

2028

First round: Brooklyn swap

Second round: To Washington

2029

First round: To Brooklyn

Second round: To Oklahoma City

2030

First round: Washington swap

Second round: Washington

While the short-term out look for a team built around stars like Beal, Durant and Devin Booker is a potential championship, if the Suns can’t win a title quickly, they will be in serious trouble. Durant is signed for three seasons and will be 35 in September. Beal, who has struggled to stay healthy in his NBA career, turns 30 next week.

That means there is a limited window for this Suns trio—if there is no championship by, say, 2026, the four years thereafter could be bleak.

Deandre Ayton Trade Still in Play

One of the pressing issues in Phoenix now is getting some help for the Durant-Beal-Booker supercore. That won’t be easy under new CBA rules that make it difficult for teams over the luxury tax’s so-called “second apron” to add quality role players.

The Suns still have center Deandre Ayton on the roster, and while there have been rumblings that Phoenix would welcome keeping Ayton to have him work with ne coach Frank Vogel, some see that as a smokescreen. Trading Ayton remains the key element to getting some depth in Phoenix.

The trade market has been weak on Ayton, but that could well change once free agency gets underway.

“There are teams that will come calling for him,” one NBA GM said. “The Suns know that. He is on the backburner but they’re ready to move him as soon as the right thing comes along. And at this point, if they can get a couple of really solid role players, that will be the right thing for them. That might not happen until we get into Summer League, though.”

The Phoenix Suns have a new Big 3 after acquiring All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards ahead of the NBA Draft. The Suns in the minds of many, came out as the presumptive winner of the trade. They were able to dump Chris Paul’s $30 million salary for next season and did not have to surrender any first-round picks.

What makes the compensation for Beal even more impressive is that the Wizards initially asked for the Suns’ starting big man Deandre Ayton, according to sports radio host John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

“Washington did ask for Deandre Ayton in the Beal trade, and the Suns were unwilling to include him in the deal,” Gambadoro tweeted on June 19.

Suns Still Need To Build Out Their Roster

The Suns All-Star trio of Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker could be wildly successful or an all-time failure. Just ask Durant, as he knows all about super teams that have fallen short. He just left a situation that went crumbling fast in Brooklyn with James Harden and Kyrie Irving.

And although Beal, Durant, and Booker are among the cream of the crop in the NBA, talent alone is not enough to win a championship. Beal, Durant, and Booker are all volume scorers and will need their fair share of shots to be effective. But the real challenge will be getting the correct role players to surround their stars with.

Key free agents are scheduled to hit the market in July. Big names such as Kyle Kuzma, Khris Middleton, and Fred VanVleet have already elected to test free agency this summer. But after putting $251 million on the books via the Beal trade, the Suns are limited in what they can offer other players to fill out their roster. How the front office pulls it off will be interesting to see.

Chris Paul Traded to Warriors

When Paul got traded to the Suns in 2020, he was expected to be a significant part of helping deliver the first-ever title to the franchise. But in three seasons as the starting point guard, Phoenix had just one Finals appearance and two exits in the second round of the playoffs.

Paul, at 38 years old, is still seeking to win the first championship of his career. And with the Washington Wizards entering an apparent rebuild, Paul cannot hang his hat on being able to compete for a title in that situation. It took all but a few days for the All-Star guard to get traded from the Wizards after being sent there by the Suns. Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Wizards are sending Paul to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for their star guard, Jordan Poole.

“The Washington Wizards are finalizing a deal to send Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors for a package that includes Jordan Poole and future draft assets,” Wojnarowski tweeted on June 22.

“Warriors are sending a 2030 protected first-round and a 2027 second-rounder to the Wizards, sources tell ESPN.”

Now with a championship dynasty in Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and Steph Curry, who have won four titles together, this could be Paul’s best opportunity to become an NBA champion. It will be interesting to see if it works out for him.

Poole signed a four-year, $128 million contract last summer.

The Wizards acquired Paul from the Wizards in the Bradley Beal trade. Paul was never going to stay with Washington since the franchise is rebuilding under new president Michael Winger.

Paul, who has a partially guaranteed contract for next season, averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists this past season for the Suns while shooting 44.0% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc and 83.1% from the free-throw line.

After the Suns lost to the Denver Nuggets in six games in the 2023 Western Conference semifinals, head coach Monty Williams was fired and replaced by Frank Vogel.

The Warriors now have Paul, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Green becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30, but Golden State is expected to re-sign the four-time champion, league sources told Heavy Sports.

Chris Was on a Plane When the Suns Traded Him to the Wizards

Paul was on a plane to New York when he found out the Suns traded him to the Wizards. The 12-time All-Star told Sopan Deb of the New York Times that his son texted him about the trade.

“I showed my phone to my wife,” Paul said. “Because, I mean, I had talked to James Jones yesterday or whatnot. I was surprised.”

The Suns traded Paul, Landry Shamet and draft picks to the Wizards for Beal, who waived his no-trade clause to play in Phoenix. Paul told Deb that Suns owner Mat Ishbia and Isiah Thomas — the Hall of Fame point guard who is close with Ishbia — wanted to go in a different direction.

“It’s just — it’s tough,” Paul said. “Seriously, it is part of the business, and what you realize is that no one owes you anything. No matter how you are with them or what you do, you realize that in this business, nobody owes you anything, as it should be. But when it comes through and my son texts me, I realize that, you know, Mat and Isiah, I guess, just wanted to go in a different direction.

“Like I said, Mat and Isiah, they want to go in a different direction. But my time there has been amazing. You know what I mean? It’s been great. And so, get back to work.”

Warriors Will Keep Chris Paul

The Warriors will not waive Paul, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT.

Paul’s wife and kids live in Los Angeles. The NBA legend will get to spend more time with them now since LA and San Francisco aren’t that far from each other.

One of the best players in NBA history, Paul has career averages of 17.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists but is still looking to win his first championship.

Meanwhile, Curry, Thompson and Green have won four rings and played in six Finals. The Warriors lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023 Western Conference semifinals in six games after winning the 2022 title.

With the NBA Finals officially over, the focus has shifted to the NBA Draft and free agency period. The Phoenix Suns are expected to be especially active in the coming weeks. After parting ways with former head coach Monty Williams and replacing him with Frank Vogel, the widespread expectation is that roster changes will also be coming soon.

There are several holes in the Suns’ roster general manager James Jones needs to address heading into the offseason, especially defense. Despite having a seven-foot-tall lottery pick in Deandre Ayton, the Suns’ interior defense has a lot of deficiencies. It is one of the reasons that Williams split the minutes at the center spot between Ayton and undrafted big man Jock Landale in the playoffs. On a recent episode of NBA Today, ESPN NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins floated the idea of the Suns pursuing Golden State Warriors forward and former Defensive Player of the Year, Draymond Green.

“I know it may be a long shot, but it’s definitely a shot. If the Phoenix Suns could get Draymond Green in free agency, that would instantly make them the title favorites,” Perkins said.

Green has been the defensive anchor for the duration of the Warriors dynasty.

Suns Floated as Yuta Watanabe Landing Spot

Another thing Jones will need to address during the free agency period is the lack of depth the Suns have on their roster. Booker and Durant have proven to be an elite duo, but the reality is that the majority of their offensive production coming from two players is not the ideal formula if they want to win a championship.

Another player the Suns have been linked to is Kevin Durant’s former Nets teammate, Yuta Watanabe. Watanabe, at one point, was just known as the poor guy on the wrong end of a vicious poster courtesy of Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. But after a breakout season where the Nets sharpshooter shot a scorching 44% from beyond the arc, John Hollinger of The Athletic says he is an “obvious” free agency pickup for the Suns.

“Watanabe had a breakout year in Brooklyn, shooting 44.4 percent from 3, but the Nets’ crowd at the forward position makes it seem unlikely he’s back. A solid defender with a limited offensive repertoire beyond the catch-and-shoot game, Watanabe would be a good pickup as a fourth forward who can fill in at either spot, although he’s probably more comfortable at the three,” Hollinger said in The Athletic’s 2023 NBA Free Agency Preview.

“One obvious place to look for him on a minimum deal would be Phoenix. The Suns will likely need to sign several minimum deals to fill out their roster this summer, and Watanabe could be reunited with Kevin Durant and again play off him for open 3s.”

Suns Facing Big Decisions in Coming Days

The Suns probably have the most questions to answer on roster construction heading into NBA free agency. The future of Deandre Ayton remains a mystery. Numerous reports have suggested that the Suns have at least floated the idea of moving their starting center this summer.

In addition, they have to answer questions on several key role players, including Torrey Craig and Josh Okogie.

Despite Durant and Devin Booker being two of the NBA’s brightest stars, building around them with limited cap space will be no easy task, even after the Bradley Beal trade. It will be interesting to see what moves they make.

A new three-team trade proposal would land the Phoenix Suns an Indiana Pacers star and a Boston Celtics guard.

Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed a three-team trade between the Suns, Pacers and Celtics. Phoenix would land Myles Turner from Indiana and Payton Pritchard from Boston.

Suns Receive: Myles Turner, Payton Pritchard

Celtics Receive: Buddy Hield, Cameron Payne, the No. 7 pick in 2023 from Indiana, 2027 first-round pick from Indiana

Pacers Receive: Jaylen Brown, Deandre Ayton

“From the Suns’ perspective, this deal and the Beal trade that actually went down turn Ayton and 38-year-old CP3 into Beal, Pritchard and three-and-D center Myles Turner,” Bailey wrote. “Beal’s contract certainly makes the cap sheet more restrictive, but those moves give the team more shooting to deploy around Booker and KD.”

The Suns, who lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals in six games, are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for Ayton this offseason, sources told Heavy Sports.

Phoenix has already traded Chris Paul and Landry Shamet to the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal.

Myles Turner Is a Strong Defender

Turner is an excellent rebounder and defender. He’s led the league in blocks per game twice and can stretch the floor with his improved shooting.

A Texas product, Turner put up 18.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game in 2022-23 while shooting 54.8% from the field, 37.3% from beyond the arc and 78.3% from the free-throw line.

Turner will have made over $140 million in his career once his current contract ends.

The Suns’ preference is to trade Ayton to get more depth, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. Gambadoro, who covers the Suns, talked about Ayton’s future in Phoenix with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

“I think the preference for Phoenix is to trade Deandre Ayton to get depth,” Gambadoro said. “Their top three are set with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Their problem — and this is why they’re not better than the Denver Nuggets — is their four, five, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth guys. They don’t have depth. If you can trade Ayton and take that $30 million salary and turn it into two or three good players, that’s the preference.

“You’ve got to find a team willing to take Ayton. He’s got over $100 million left on his contract in the next three years, and he hasn’t been a dominant center. He’s not Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic. He’s a good player, and somebody who trades for him might get 22-24 points a night and 12 rebounds, but if he’s your second-best player, you’re probably not going to win.”

Bradley Beal Wanted to Come to the Suns & Play With Kevin Durant & Devin Booker

Gambadoro said Beal waived his no-trade clause for the Suns because he wanted to play with All-Stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

According to Gambadoro, the Miami Heat were not that interested in Beal.

“I believe that Miami was not that interested in Bradley Beal,” Gambadoro said. “Look at what Miami has in terms of assets. They have their first-round pick this year, they’ve got future first-round picks, and they’ve got more talent to trade. If Miami was really involved in this and Beal was interested in going there, there’s no way Miami couldn’t have put a better offer on the table than Phoenix.

“I’m going to stick with what I’ve been told, and that’s Miami wasn’t that interested in Beal. Now, Beal was interested in Phoenix. He wanted to come to the Suns and play with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.”

It’s a pretty fair bet that NBA teams will make their draft picks Thursday night mainly on exhibited skill and measurables, feeling they can then mold the players to fit the needs of the collective.

“The problem is, that’s not how these kids have been brought up in the game,” said one scout who figures prominently in his team’s draft preparation. “You still get intrigued by what a guy can do physically, but we all know it’s how guys understand the game and understand winning that make you a great player and make you a great team. But that’s hard to judge out here before a draft.

“There’s a lot of guys that learn how to play out of their bag, but they don’t ever learn how to play basketball,” he said. “Guys have to learn how to make the right decisions and make plays as a team, because that’s what people are looking for. That’s what wins. But too many guys want to show what’s in their bag, and the problem is you’re showing us the exact opposite of what we want to see.

“Chemistry is a very ephemeral thing. You know it when you have it; you’re not sure how you got it. You know it when you don’t have it, and you don’t know where it is or where it went.”

Suns Must Create Chemistry From Nothing

Bringing the matter into current NBA roster light, one league executive pointed to Phoenix, where last season’s acquisition of Kevin Durant and the still-being-completed deal for Bradley Beal leave some chemical questions.

“They’ve got all the scoring you could want, and I think those guys (Durant, Beal, Devin Booker) are past the point where they’re focused on their personal numbers,” he said. “But you’ve got to be able to fit in around them and do the dirty work every night. (Deandre) Ayton should be one of those guys, but is he? You traded one away on (Mikal) Bridges, but you had to give him up to get Durant.

“Now Phoenix has to find a way to surround their stars and fill in the chemistry.”

Nuggets’ Chemistry an Example for All

Another front office source pointed to the Nuggets — fast becoming the most popular example of all that is good and right with basketball — to show the importance of role players and even stars who know how to fit.

“Look at how important Bruce Brown and Christian Braun were to them, a second-round pick and a rookie,” he said. “Now, it definitely helps when your best player (Nikola Jokic) is the most team-oriented star in the game, but they won because they had guys who were trying to do their job, not show you all the things they could do.

“I get it with guys in the pre-draft process and coming into the league. They want to let you know all the stuff they have. But in almost every case, they’re going to be asked to play a lot more defined role than they did in college or wherever they were before this. They’re not going to be asked to carry a team here; that’s for just the elite guys.”

That point may be getting across to players projected for the latter portions of this draft. One personnel man told Heavy that the economics are coming into play for those beyond the first round.

“No question, everyone wants to get into the first round and that guaranteed money,” he said. “But when you see some of the way these guys have changed from college, you realize someone’s gotten in their ear. Everybody hustles in the workouts — well, most everybody — but I’m seeing more guys come in focused on showing you their defense and movement.

“I think a lot of these guys realize what’s at stake for them. It’s the difference between getting taken in the second round and showing you can play a role or not getting picked and having to go overseas, where you can get lost after a couple of years.”

The Suns’ preference is to trade Ayton to get more depth, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

Gambadoro, who covers the Suns, talked about Ayton’s future in Phoenix with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

“I think the preference for Phoenix is to trade Deandre Ayton to get depth,” Gambadoro said. “Their top three are set with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Their problem — and this is why they’re not better than the Denver Nuggets — is their four, five, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth guys. They don’t have depth. If you can trade Ayton and take that $30 million salary and turn it into two or three good players, that’s the preference.

“You’ve got to find a team willing to take Ayton. He’s got over $100 million left on his contract in the next three years, and he hasn’t been a dominant center. He’s not Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic. He’s a good player, and somebody who trades for him might get 22-24 points a night and 12 rebounds, but if he’s your second-best player, you’re probably not going to win.”

Malcolm Brogdon to the Suns?

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Suns are interested in acquiring Malcolm Brogdon from the Celtics.

Phoenix and Boston could do a trade centered around Ayton and Brogdon.

“Of the four Celtics guards, Brogdon’s name has been mentioned the most among league executives this past week, although Phoenix has so far been the only team cited by several NBA voices as a suitor to have interest in the Sixth Man of the Year,” Fischer wrote.

Brogdon, who won the Sixth Man of the Year Award this past season, averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 67 games for the Celtics while shooting 48.4% from the floor, 44.4% from 3 and 87.0% from the free-throw line.

The 2016-17 Rookie of the Year with the Milwaukee Bucks, Brogdon signed a two-year, $85 million contract extension with the Indiana Pacers in October 2021. He’ll make $22.5 million next season.

Suns Tried to Get Kyrie Irving

According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Suns reached out to the Dallas Mavericks about a potential sign-and-trade deal for Kyrie Irving.

Dallas wasn’t interested in making a trade, so Phoenix shifted its focus to Bradley Beal, who waived his no-trade clause to play with Suns superstars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

“The Suns don’t have much trade capital left after acquiring Bradley Beal from the Wizards,” Begley wrote. “So it’s fair to assume that they can’t make a trade for a top player like Kyrie Irving. But it’s worth noting that Phoenix had interest in Irving earlier in the offseason. The Suns were among the teams to reach out to Dallas about a potential sign-and-trade for Irving earlier in the offseason, per sources familiar with the matter.

“Dallas, presumably, wasn’t interested in what the Suns offered at the time. If the Mavs were blown away by the offer, logic says that Beal wouldn’t be a Sun today.”

The Phoenix Suns tried to acquire an eight-time All-Star before trading for Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal.

According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Suns reached out to the Dallas Mavericks about a potential sign-and-trade deal for point guard Kyrie Irving. Dallas wasn’t interested in making a trade, so Phoenix shifted its focus to Beal, who waived his no-trade clause to play with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

“The Suns don’t have much trade capital left after acquiring Bradley Beal from the Wizards,” Begley wrote. “So it’s fair to assume that they can’t make a trade for a top player like Kyrie Irving. But it’s worth noting that Phoenix had interest in Irving earlier in the offseason. The Suns were among the teams to reach out to Dallas about a potential sign-and-trade for Irving earlier in the offseason, per sources familiar with the matter.

“Dallas, presumably, wasn’t interested in what the Suns offered at the time. If the Mavs were blown away by the offer, logic says that Beal wouldn’t be a Sun today.”

The Suns traded guards Chris Paul and Landry Shamet and draft picks to the Wizards for Beal. Phoenix wanted to reunite Irving with Durant, who played with Uncle Drew on the Brooklyn Nets.

However, the Mavericks intend to re-sign Irving, who becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30, league sources told Heavy Sports.

Bradley Beal Wanted to Come to the Suns & Play With Kevin Durant & Devin Booker

John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype that Beal waived his no-trade clause for the Suns because he wanted to play with Durant and Booker.

According to Gambadoro, the Miami Heat were not that interested in Beal.

“I believe that Miami was not that interested in Bradley Beal,” Gambadoro said. “Look at what Miami has in terms of assets. They have their first-round pick this year, they’ve got future first-round picks, and they’ve got more talent to trade. If Miami was really involved in this and Beal was interested in going there, there’s no way Miami couldn’t have put a better offer on the table than Phoenix.

“I’m going to stick with what I’ve been told, and that’s Miami wasn’t that interested in Beal. Now, Beal was interested in Phoenix. He wanted to come to the Suns and play with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.”

Beal averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists this past season for the Wizards. The three-time All-Star shot 50.6% from the field, 36.5% from beyond the arc and 84.2% from the free-throw line.

Devin Booker Is Going to Be More or Less the Primary Ball Handler for the Suns

According to Scotto, Booker is going to be more or less the primary ball handler for the Suns next season.

Cameron Payne is still on the roster as well.

“The Suns are going to light it up like Times Square on New Year’s Eve with Durant, Booker and Beal,” Scotto said. “I don’t know if there are enough basketballs to go around, but my understanding is Booker is going to be more or less the primary ball handler a lot of times. Beal can handle the ball too, and create in pick-and-rolls, but it seems like this is more of an avenue to get the ball in Booker’s hands and really maximize his usage rate.”

Chris Paul was on a plane to New York when he found out the Phoenix Suns traded him to the Washington Wizards in the blockbuster Bradley Beal trade.

The 12-time All-Star told Sopan Deb of the New York Times that his son texted him and told him that he was now a member of the Wizards.

“I showed my phone to my wife,” Paul said. “Because, I mean, I had talked to James Jones yesterday or whatnot. I was surprised.”

The Suns traded Paul, Landry Shamet and draft picks to the Wizards for Beal, who waived his no-trade clause to play in Phoenix. Paul, who has a partially guaranteed contract for next season, told Deb that Suns owner Mat Ishbia and Isiah Thomas — the Hall of Fame point guard who is close with Ishbia — wanted to go in a different direction.

“It’s just — it’s tough,” Paul said. “Seriously, it is part of the business, and what you realize is that no one owes you anything. No matter how you are with them or what you do, you realize that in this business, nobody owes you anything, as it should be. But when it comes through and my son texts me, I realize that, you know, Mat and Isiah, I guess, just wanted to go in a different direction.”

What Is Next for Chris Paul?

The Wizards are expected to trade or waive Paul, who wants to play for a contender, league sources told Heavy Sports. The Los Angeles Clippers are trying to trade for CP3, while the Los Angeles Lakers hope the NBA legend gets waived so they can sign him as an unrestricted free agent.

“I don’t know (what happens next),” Paul said. “I really haven’t had enough time to process it yet. Like seriously, because these things that happen affect more than just me.”

Paul averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists this past season for the Suns while shooting 44.0% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc and 83.1% from the free-throw line. The five-time assists champion enjoyed his three years in Phoenix and is ready to get back to work.

“Like I said, Mat and Isiah, they want to go in a different direction,” Paul said. “But my time there has been amazing. You know what I mean? It’s been great. And so, get back to work.”

Chris Paul to the Lakers?

An NBA general manager told Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports that it’s Paul’s “dream” to play for the Lakers and with LeBron James.

Paul almost became a Laker in 2011 to play with Kobe Bryant before former NBA commissioner David Stern vetoed the trade between the Lakers and New Orleans Hornets.

“Lakers first,” one Eastern Conference GM texted Deveney. “It’s not definite, a lot can happen. But you’d have to start there. He always had (the) dream of being a Laker (and) playing with LBJ (James).”

Paul and LeBron are best friends. In fact, Paul is Bronny James’ Godfather. Bronny is LeBron’s first son.

If the Lakers sign Paul, they could still re-sign D’Angelo Russell to truly solidify their point guard position, sources said. Russell becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30.

After the Phoenix Suns landed Bradley Beal in a blockbuster deal to form a new Big Three in the desert, the Dallas Mavericks could follow suit by bringing LeBron James to the DFW; this, at least, according to Dallas Basketball’s Dalton Trigg.

“The Mavs could be closer to getting things back on track than what the initial disappointment of them missing the play-in tournament indicated,” Trigg prefaced before saying, “If James wants to join Irving and Doncic in Dallas, then he’ll find a way to do so, and with another super team forming in the Western Conference, he may be thinking it’s time to do that himself in a new setting.”

Trigg feels that the current Los Angeles Lakers roster — which is set to see raises for Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dennis Schroeder, and D’Angelo Russell if they are all retained — has already peaked, while Dallas’ record was worse than indicated since the Mavericks lost 29 “clutch” games that were decided in the final five minutes.

“Although the Lakers made it to the Western Conference Finals this year while the Mavs missed the postseason outright, one could argue that L.A.’s current roster has already peaked,” Trigg wrote. “By the numbers, the offensive duo of Doncic and Irving was devastating for opponents, it was just overall team depth and defense that kept the Mavs from getting over the hump. Dallas played a league-high 55 clutch games during the 2022-23 season, but had just a 26-29 record in those games.”

‘No Question’ Suns Got Better After Bradley Beal Trade

With the Suns acquiring Beal for a package that included no future first-rounders, many are signing the praises of Phoenix’s front office — with one of those being CBS Sports’ Jack Maloney, who said there’s “no question” the Suns got better after landing Beal on the cheap.

“The Suns made what appeared to be their all-in move at the deadline last season when they acquired Durant, but managed to take advantage of the cut-rate price for Beal to add yet another All-Star to the roster,” Maloney prefaced before saying, “In terms of pure talent, there’s no question the Suns got better on Sunday.”

Maloney called adding Beal for what it took to land him was a “no-brainer.”

“Even if you have some questions about Beal’s ability to move the needle, adding him for this price is a no-brainer; in a vacuum, they crushed this trade,” Maloney wrote. “The potential cause for concern in Phoenix is some of the ancillary aspects of the deal — namely their lack of depth and salary cap limitations.”

Mavericks Interested in Pair of Free Agent Forwards

Per a June 18 report from HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Mavericks reportedly have interest in a pair of free agent forwards: Boston Celtics restricted free agent Grant Williams and Sacramento Kings veteran Harrison Barnes.

On the Williams front, Scotto feels it’s not insignificant that the Celtics combo forward shares an agent with Luka Doncic.

“The latest team to have interest in Williams looking ahead to free agency is the Dallas Mavericks, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto prefaced before saying, “It’s worth noting Williams and Mavericks star Luka Doncicare both represented by WME Sports.”

Barnes, on the other hand, was traded by the Mavericks during his first stint halfway through his third season. Both of his last contracts were at least $85 million over the duration of four years, but it’s unclear what Barnes would receive in the current salary cap climate with a new CBA featuring punitive luxury taxes starting July 1.

The NBA offseason has begun in earnest, with the contours for the first of what is expected to be a handful of blockbuster trades going down on Sunday: Bradley Beal is packing up from Washington and heading to Phoenix in a deal that brings a surprisingly scant return to the Wizards (Chris Paul, who will be bought out, as well as Landry Shamet and second-round picks).

While the Suns have amassed serious star power, with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker now teamed with Beal in a trio capable of averaging more than 75 points per game on their own, the question that lingers around the team is an obvious one: What now?

The Suns have those three stars under contract, and will pay them a combined $130 million next year, $152 million in 2024-25, and $162 million in 2025-26. Cameron Payne is under a partial guarantee for next season, but figures to be back.

Other than those four, the Suns have one contract on hand: The one belonging to Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 pick in 2018 who still has three years and $102 million on his deal. While trade interest in Ayton around the league has been tepid, sources say that is mostly because he is not yet among other teams’ top priorities, a situation that is expected to change after the NBA draft and perhaps after the first wave of free agency.

“There are teams that will come calling for him,” one NBA GM said. “The Suns know that. He is on the backburner but they’re ready to move him as soon as the right thing comes along. And at this point, if they can get a couple of really solid role players, that will be the right thing for them. That might not happen until we get into Summer League, though.”

Suns Need to Land Role Players With Ayton Trade

Given the limitations of the NBA’s collective-bargaining agreement, the Suns will have scant opportunities to add quality role players to their core. That’s where trading Ayton has now become a necessity, one that could bring the Suns a measure of salary relief as well as a more varied roster.

The Bulls and Mavericks have both been included as potential destinations for Ayton, though each of those teams has other priorities. The same can be said for the Hornets, who were tabbed as a darkhorse by league execs in the chase for Ayton. The Hornets’ most pressing issue is perhaps trading away the No. 2 pick in the draft, which could net a star caliber wing (Brandon Ingram of the Pelicans has been mentioned).

It would not be until after the situation with the second pick is cleared up that Charlotte will move forward with a decision on Ayton or any other big man. The Hornets have a number of trade chips, including the expiring contract of Gordon Hayward, and perhaps one of their two promising young big men, Nick Richards or Mark Williams. Guard Terry Rozier could be available, too.

The Pacers and Trail Blazers have also had interest in Ayton, but again, he is not the priority for either team.

Indiana could be the most amenable to making a trade for Ayton quickly, with veteran center Myles Turner the chief return piece (along with some combination of shooter Buddy Hield, big man Daniel Theis or point guard T.J. McConnell).

When Ayton was a restricted free agent last summer, it was the Pacers who finally gave him a four-year, $132 million contract that the Suns matched.

Patience May Be Required on an Ayton Trade

If the Suns can’t find the right package for Ayton in the next few days, the team remains confident it will find a new home for him, and that the roster will feature at least two role players added in an Ayton deal. Ayton, remember, is only 24, and turns 25 next month.

The Phoenix trade for Beal all but guaranteed Ayton’s exit.

“They need some guys who can do things besides score, and let’s face it, Ayton does a few things pretty well but scoring is the top thing,” one Western Conference executive said. “So if Phoenix brought him back, he is the No. 4 option, he is getting maybe 10, 11 shots a game. That’s not happening. There is a good chance you will see Indiana circle back and see if they can get him now, and not give up too much to make it happen. Ayton and (Tyrese) Halliburton? That would be a really nice combo.”

But even if that doesn’t shake out, something will.

“They (the Suns) are confident they can get something done,” the exec said. “Not everybody is going to get just what they want in the next two weeks in the draft and trades and free agency, and if Deandre is not already gone, he is going to look very good to a team like Portland or Charlotte or Dallas.”

The Phoenix Suns are pursuing a $125 million star and a Sixth Man of the Year.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Suns are interested in acquiring John Collins from the Atlanta Hawks and Malcolm Brogdon from the Boston Celtics.

“Two names to keep an eye on in Phoenix’s trade pursuits: Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins and Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon,” Fischer wrote. “The Suns acquiring either of those veterans might require a third team to accept Paul’s outgoing salary — such as the Houston Rockets with their $60 million of cap space and counting — but Brogdon and Collins are a pair of players Phoenix has registered interest in during trade conversations with Boston and Atlanta, respectively, that date back to the trade deadline, sources said.”

Collins signed a five-year, $125 million deal with the Hawks in August 2021. He’ll make $25.3 million next season. The 25-year-old Utah native averaged 13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists this past season for Atlanta while shooting 50.8% from the field, 29.2% from beyond the arc and 80.3% from the free-throw line.

Meanwhile, Brogdon — who won the Sixth Man of the Year Award this past season — averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 67 games for the Celtics while shooting 48.4% from the floor, 44.4% from 3 and 87.0% from the free-throw line. The 2016-17 Rookie of the Year signed a two-year, $85 million contract extension with the Indiana Pacers in October 2021. He’ll make $22.5 million next season.

Malcolm Brogdon Likeliest Celtics Guard to Get Traded

Brogdon is the likeliest Celtics guard to get traded this offseason, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

The Celtics are looking to move a guard to improve other areas of the roster.

“My podcast partner Chris Haynes reported Friday that Boston is looking to move out at least one of its guards to ease a backcourt logjam,” Stein wrote. “Word is the most likely of the group to be dealt, entering the weekend, was Malcolm Brogdon rather than Marcus Smart, Derrick White or Payton Pritchard.”

Brogdon may need surgery this offseason, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic. The former Milwaukee Bucks star has a partial tear in the tendon coming out of his right elbow that leads into his forearm.

“Malcolm Brogdon has been playing through a partial tear in the tendon coming out of his right elbow that leads into his forearm, team sources told The Athletic,” Weiss wrote. “Brogdon suffered the injury in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, according to the sources, who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the record. The Celtics guard was initially dealing with golfer’s elbow soreness during the second-round series against Philadelphia, but an MRI after Game 1 against the Heat determined he exacerbated the injury by tearing the tendon in boxing out Miami Heat big Kevin Love midway through the first quarter.

“He is expected to evaluate whether he will need surgery after the season, according to team sources.”

Bradley Beal to the Suns?

The Suns are in serious talks to acquire All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

The Miami Heat are talking to the Wizards as well.

Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he gets to pick his next team. The Wizards have given the three-time All-Star permission to seek a trade.

A Florida product, Beal averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists this past season while shooting 50.6% from the field, 36.5% from beyond the arc and 84.2% from the free-throw line. He signed a five-year, $251 million contract with the Wizards last offseason.

The Miami Heat are talking to the Wizards as well.

Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract, which means he gets to pick his next team. The Wizards have given the three-time All-Star permission to seek a trade.

A Florida product, Beal averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists this past season while shooting 50.6% from the field, 36.5% from beyond the arc and 84.2% from the free-throw line. He signed a five-year, $251 million contract with the Wizards last offseason.

Bradley Beal Wants to Compete for a Title

Beal is open to landing with more than a handful of teams if he gets traded, according to NBA insider Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

The St. Louis native is not pushing his way to any specific team.

“The Washington Wizards and the representation for Bradley Beal have a general understanding of several of the teams that Beal would be willing to accept in a trade, and the Heat, as expected, is among those teams, according to a source with direct knowledge,” Jackson wrote. “The interest appears mutual: The Heat has expressed interest in Beal, according to the source, though it’s unclear what Miami would be willing to trade for him. While Beal would welcome a trade to the Heat if the Wizards decide to deal him, he is not trying to push his way to Miami or any specific team, the source said.

“Beal, who has not asked for a trade, is open to landing with more than a handful of teams; the franchise’s ability to compete for a championship ranks highly among the important criteria for him.”

If the Suns get Beal, they will have arguably the best Big 3 in the NBA in Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

Chris Paul Wants to Stay With the Suns

Chris Paul told Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic on June 15 that he wants to stay with the Suns.

“Absolutely,” Paul said. “That’s why I’m there. I’ve talked with my family, we’ve had conversations about what could be, what might be. I’ve talked with my agent. Talked to my brother (C.J. Paul). I’m working out, training, spending time with my family.”

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN is reporting that the Suns could waive, stretch or trade Paul this offseason. The future Hall of Famer has a partially guaranteed contract for next season and is coming off his worst scoring campaign.

Paul, 38, averaged a career-low 13.9 points in 2022-23.

“Phoenix Suns ownership and executives had a series of conversations with Chris Paul and his representatives on the All-Star point guard’s future with the franchise Wednesday, including the possibility that he could be waived by the NBA’s June 28 guarantee date on his contract, sources told ESPN,” Woj wrote. “The Suns insist that they’re still working through several possibilities for Paul’s future and reiterated that to his representatives later Wednesday afternoon, sources said. Phoenix plans to explore trade opportunities including Paul and Deandre Ayton that could alter the franchise’s roster landscape ahead of a final decision on Paul’s partially guaranteed contract, sources said.”

Malcolm Brogdon has become the latest member of the Boston Celtics roster to find his name being floated in trade rumors.

On Friday, June 16, Yahoo Sports Jake Fischer reported that the Phoenix Suns could be interested in acquiring the reigning Sixth Man of the Year if they decide to move on from veteran point guard Chris Paul. 

“Two names to keep an eye on in Phoenix’s trade pursuits: Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins and Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon,” Fischer wrote. “The Suns acquiring either of those veterans might require a third team to accept Paul’s outgoing salary — such as the Houston Rockets with their $60 million of cap space and counting — but Brogdon and Collins are a pair of players Phoenix has registered interest in during trade conversations with Boston and Atlanta, respectively, that date back to the trade deadline, sources said.”

Brogdon has struggled with injuries throughout his career, with the 2022-23 season behind his healthiest since his rookie year. Yet, when healthy, Brogdon is an elite scorer who can also dictate the flow of an offense.

Celtics are ‘Fielding Calls’ Regarding Guard Rotation

According to a June 16 report by Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, the Boston Celtics are taking calls regarding multiple members of their current guard rotation.

“The Boston Celtics are fielding calls on the multitude of quality guards on their roster, sources tell B/R,” Haynes wrote. “With Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, and Payton Pritchard all deserving of playing time, Boston is looking to create some position balance.”

Following his stellar performances throughout last season, White is likely to be retained moving forward. However, arguments can be made for trading Smart, Brogdon, or Pritchard, and there is certainly the potential for two of those three guards to be moved on during the off-season – especially if it allows Brad Stevens to add depth on the wing and center positions.

Pacers Interested in Acquiring Grant Williams

While the Celtics’ guard rotation is currently the primary topic of conversation, the future of Grant Williams is bubbling away under the surface. This summer, Williams will be a restricted free agent after failing to sign a contract extension during the 2022 offseason.

According to Jake Fischer, the Indiana Pacers are the latest team to register their interest in Boston’s three-and-d forward.

“The Pacers are expected to be one team in the mix for restricted free agent Grant Williams as well,” Fischer wrote.

Boston will be able to match any offer sheet that Williams signs, should they choose to do so. However, there will certainly be a line in the sand that Boston will likely be unwilling to cross. As such, it will be interesting to see what types of deals Williams is offered once the free agency period gets underway, as he struggled with injury following the All-Star break and saw his role within the rotation become inconsistent as a result.

Nevertheless, Williams has developed into a genuine three-point weapon who can defend multiple positions at a high level – team’s around the NBA will value that, which could put the Celtics in a difficult situation in the coming months.

“Absolutely,” Paul said. “That’s why I’m there. I’ve talked with my family, we’ve had conversations about what could be, what might be. I’ve talked with my agent. Talked to my brother (C.J. Paul). I’m working out, training, spending time with my family.”

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN is reporting that the Suns could waive, stretch or trade Paul this offseason. The future Hall of Famer has a partially guaranteed contract for next season and is coming off his worst scoring campaign.

Paul, 38, averaged a career-low 13.9 points in 2022-23.

“Phoenix Suns ownership and executives had a series of conversations with Chris Paul and his representatives on the All-Star point guard’s future with the franchise Wednesday, including the possibility that he could be waived by the NBA’s June 28 guarantee date on his contract, sources told ESPN,” Woj wrote. “The Suns insist that they’re still working through several possibilities for Paul’s future and reiterated that to his representatives later Wednesday afternoon, sources said. Phoenix plans to explore trade opportunities including Paul and Deandre Ayton that could alter the franchise’s roster landscape ahead of a final decision on Paul’s partially guaranteed contract, sources said.”

Chris Paul to the Spurs?

The San Antonio Spurs are often mentioned by NBA figures as a potential destination for Paul, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

Teams are looking at San Antonio as one of the few landing spots for teams to offload salary.

“Rival personnel are looking at San Antonio as one of the few landing spots for teams to offload salary ahead of these mounting tax complications going into effect July 1,” Fischer wrote. “For that reason, the Spurs are often mentioned by league figures as a potential destination for veteran floor general Chris Paul. Phoenix is searching for trade possibilities regarding the 12-time All-Star point guard before the last $15 million of his $30.8 million salary for the 2023-24 season becomes guaranteed June 28 — two days before the start of free agency.

“Any team acquiring Paul ahead of that deadline would inherit the same optionality the Suns face if they don’t move him: waiving Paul and avoiding a significant cap hit for the upcoming campaign.”

The Suns would like to trade Paul, but “they don’t have a lot of draft assets to entice prospective teams,” per Fischer.

The Lakers Are Interested in Chris Paul

The Los Angeles Lakers would be interested in signing Paul as a free agent if the Suns waive him, per Jovan Buha of The Athletic.

Paul and Lakers superstar LeBron James are very close friends.

CP3 wants to stay with the Suns, but if he hits the open market, the Wake Forest product is expected to sign with the Lakers, league sources told Heavy Sports. An NBA general manager told Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports that it’s Paul’s “dream” to play for the Lakers and with James.

“Lakers first,” one Eastern Conference GM texted Deveney. “It’s not definite, a lot can happen. But you’d have to start there. He always had (the) dream of being a Laker (and) playing with LBJ (James).”

A new trade proposal would land the Phoenix Suns a Defensive Player of the Year for Chris Paul.

In a June 14 column called “No-Brainer Trades for 2024 NBA Title Contenders,” Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed that the Suns trade Paul to the Boston Celtics for Marcus Smart and Grant Williams.

It would be a sign-and-trade deal since Williams becomes a restricted free agent this offseason.

“The Boston Celtics have boatloads of talent, tremendous depth and quite possibly the Association’s best roster on paper. What they don’t always have, though, is a sense of purpose on the offensive end,” Buckley wrote. “Too often, they seem aimless on the game’s biggest moments. While they had this postseason’s fourth-most efficient offense, that ranking tumbled to ninth in clutch situations (final five minutes with a margin of five points or fewer). Their turnover rate spiked (12.9 to 14.9) and their pace slowed to a crawl (95.8 possessions per 48 minutes down to 86.8).

“They either didn’t have direction, or they lacked the playmakers needed to steer the ship. Either way, their need for a calculated, high-end decision-maker like Chris Paul became glaring. There are multiple paths to get Paul to Boston, and this would admittedly rank among the most expensive. The Celtics could wait and see whether the Phoenix Suns waive Paul before his $30.8 million salary becomes fully guaranteed on June 28, but that would add a host of other suitors to the equation. Sure, he could pick Boston, but what are the chances he actually would?”

The Suns are expected to trade, waive or stretch Paul this offseason. The future Hall of Famer, who averaged a career-low 13.9 points this past season, has a partially guaranteed contract for next season.

Phoenix lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals in six games. Paul suffered a groin injury in Game 2 and missed the rest of the series.

Chris Paul Could Help the Celtics; Marcus Smart & Grant Williams Could Help the Suns

Buckley believes Paul could help the Celtics and Smart and Williams could help the Suns.

“Move past the finances, and it’s all too easy to get giddy about Paul’s on-paper fit,” Buckley wrote. “Getting him to Boston means immediately lightening the offensive load shouldered by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, neither of whom should be a team’s primary playmaker. Paul, 38, may have lost some layers of his game over time, but that part remains elite. His 8.9 assists per outing this season looked all the more impressive when weighed against his 1.9 giveaways.

“The Suns, meanwhile, could certainly be on board with the idea of flipping Paul and his cost-prohibitive salary for a pair of plug-and-play contributors. Smart’s offensive limitations would be easier to mask with offensive focal points like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant on the floor. Williams could scratch Phoenix’s itch for frontcourt depth while providing a reliable three-ball and defensive versatility.”

Smart, who won the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year Award, averaged 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists for the Celtics this past season.

Meanwhile, Williams put up 8.1 points, 4.6 boards and 1.7 assists per game.

Chris Paul Wants to Stay With the Suns

Paul told Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic on June 15 that he wants to stay with the Suns.

“Absolutely,” Paul said. “That’s why I’m there. I’ve talked with my family, we’ve had conversations about what could be, what might be. I’ve talked with my agent. Talked to my brother (C.J. Paul). I’m working out, training, spending time with my family.”

Only $15.8 million of Paul’s $30.8 million salary for the 2023-24 season is guaranteed if he’s waived. The Suns have already started talking to teams about a CP3 trade. 

A new trade proposal would land the Phoenix Suns a $180 million star for Chris Paul.

Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com proposed that the Suns trade Paul and Landry Shamet to the Philadelphia 76ers for Tobias Harris.

“Harris is incredibly overpaid on an expiring $39 million deal next season, but from Phoenix’s perspective, can it do better? Harris is one of the more polarizing players in the last 10 years, lacking consistency to be the All-Star everyone sees he could have been, but he’s at the very least solid as a third scorer and good glue guy in other areas of the floor,” Olson wrote. “Paul and Landry Shamet’s expiring (the next two years on his contract are non-guaranteed) for Harris is a match.”

Harris signed a five-year, $180 million contract with the Sixers in July 2019. He’ll make $39.3 million next season. The swingman averaged 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists for the Sixers in 2022-23 while shooting 50.1% from the field, 38.9% from beyond the arc and 87.6% from the free-throw line.

The Suns Are Expected to Move On From Chris Paul

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN is reporting that the Suns could waive, stretch or trade Paul this offseason. The future Hall of Famer has a partially guaranteed contract for next season and is coming off his worst scoring campaign.

Paul, 38, averaged a career-low 13.9 points in 2022-23.

“Phoenix Suns ownership and executives had a series of conversations with Chris Paul and his representatives on the All-Star point guard’s future with the franchise Wednesday, including the possibility that he could be waived by the NBA’s June 28 guarantee date on his contract, sources told ESPN,” Woj wrote. “The Suns insist that they’re still working through several possibilities for Paul’s future and reiterated that to his representatives later Wednesday afternoon, sources said. Phoenix plans to explore trade opportunities including Paul and Deandre Ayton that could alter the franchise’s roster landscape ahead of a final decision on Paul’s partially guaranteed contract, sources said.”

The Suns lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals in six games. Paul suffered a groin injury in Game 2 in Denver and missed the rest of the series.

Paul would like to stay with the Suns, per Woj. Only $15.8 million of his $30.8 million salary for the 2023-24 season is guaranteed if he’s waived.

“Paul continues to want to return to the Suns and partner with his close friend Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, sources said,” Woj wrote. “Nevertheless, Paul and his representatives want the organization to make a quicker decision on his future so that he can proceed out into free agency if indeed the Suns ultimately waive him, sources said.”

James Harden to the Suns?

The Suns trading Paul to the Sixers for James Harden “has quietly circulated” in league circles, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

Harden can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2023-24 player option with the Sixers.

“And then there’s the idea of Phoenix exchanging Paul for James Harden, which has quietly circulated around some league personnel since the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago,” Fischer wrote on June 9. “A reunion between Harden and Kevin Durant makes for great fodder, and the bearded point guard could feasibly pick up his 2023-24 player option on the condition Philadelphia trades him to the Suns.

“You may remember Paul pulled that exact maneuver to join Harden in Houston in 2017. Harden, though, stands to gain quite a bit more financially from either staying pat with the 76ers or returning to the Rockets and their $60-plus million in waiting cap space.”

If one thing was apparent during the Phoenix Suns’ 2023 playoff run, it was that despite trading for All-NBA forward Kevin Durant at the deadline, they currently do not have a title-contending roster. Durant and Devin Booker proved to be a lethal tandem, but in the playoffs, it was clear that if they want to stand with the elite teams in the Western Conference, Phoenix must add more firepower to its roster.

Jody Oehler, the radio host of “The Drive” on Fox Sports 910 in Phoenix, says that the Suns should pursue All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal.

“Let’s just play this out. Think about how many open looks Bradley Beal would get being the third guy on the floor for the Phoenix Suns, not some dumb player empowerment flex. It’s written in his contract he has a no-trade clause,” Oehler said.

“Now, I don’t know why, but maybe he decides he wants to end up with the Phoenix Suns. Let’s say. Hey, Devin Booker. Kevin Durant. I want in on that. Maybe he wants to go to the Sixers. Maybe he wants to go to the Knicks. S. Maybe he wants to go to the Golden State Warriors. But it might be the Suns because I think the Suns still deserve the respect of being included.”

Wizards, Bradley Beal To Explore Trade Options

Beal is one of the top shooting guards in the NBA. Last season he averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. But with the Washington Wizards preparing to enter a rebuild, ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski says that Beal and the franchise will begin working together to find a trade that benefits both parties.

As one of the league’s coveted shooting guards, plenty of teams will be lining up to acquire his services.

“As rival teams begin reaching out to the Washington Wizards to explore the possibility of trading for three-time All-Star guard Bradley Beal, team president Michael Winger and Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, are staying in close contact to discuss scenarios presented to the franchise, sources told ESPN on Wednesday,” Wojnarowski writes.

Bradley Beal’s Contract Has No-Trade Clause

Next season, Beal will enter the second year of a 5-year, $251 Million contract he signed with the Wizards. Already having two max contract players, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant, on their roster will make getting a deal done for the three-time All-Star very difficult for the Suns.

And there is an allotment of teams with way more assets to offer the Washington Wizards in a potential trade that Phoenix simply cannot match because of the haul they sent to the Brooklyn Nets to acquire Durant.

But where the Suns can benefit as it relates to potentially being in the Beal sweepstakes is the no-trade clause he has in his contract. Essentially, Beal is the only person who can sign off on a potential trade out of Washington, giving him the power to choose his next destination.

“After completing the first season of a five-year, $251 million contract, Beal’s unique standing as the NBA’s only current player to have a no-trade clause negotiated into his deal gives him the ability to control not only possible destinations but also how a potential package to acquire Beal impacts his ability to play for a contender elsewhere,” Wojnarowski added.

“With the NBA draft looming June 22 and free agency commencing July 1, conversations on Beal’s future with the Wizards are expected to become more frequent”

The Phoenix Suns are still weighing a looming decision regarding the future of their veteran point guard Chris Paul. Paul still has two years remaining on a 4-year, $120 million contract he signed with the franchise in 2021. But as the NBA free agency period draws closer, the Suns may have other available options to replace the 38-year-old All-Star.

With Toronto Raptors All-Star guard Fred VanVleet expected to test free agency this summer, Suns insider Duane Rankin of Arizona Republic says that Phoenix is a team that could be in the market to sign him to a deal.

“The Phoenix Suns have a decision to make with Chris Paul going into free agency, but seeing Fred VanVleet declining his player option to become an unrestricted free agent may become part of their thinking,” Rankin said.

“However, the Suns have a decision to make with Paul, who is in the third year of a four-year, $120-million contract. The third year is partially guaranteed as the remaining $15 million becomes fully guaranteed on June 28.”

Fred VanVleet Would Be Upgrade From Chris Paul

Last season VanVleet averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. He has also gained a reputation for being one of the peskiest defenders in the league. He was one of the primary defenders of Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry when the Raptors faced them in the 2019 NBA Finals. Last season he averaged 1.8 steals per game.

Vanvleet can offer many of the same skills as Paul, and at just 29 years old, his legs are way more fresh. VanVleet also brings something to the table that Paul cannot — championship experience. He was one of the key players on the Raptors championship squad that beat the Warriors in 2019.

Rankin adds that pairing VanVleet with another All-Star guard, Devin Booker would give Phoenix one of the most elite backcourts in the NBA.

“VanVleet pairing up with Devin Booker could give Phoenix one of the NBA’s top backcourts for years to come,” Rankin added.

“Wojnarowski reported “several contenders” who’d welcome discussions on sign-and-trade scenarios with Raptors when it comes to VanVleet.”

Fred VanVleet Could Choose To Return to Raptors

BetOnline.ag has the Suns with the third best odds to land VanVleet if he leaves the Raptors at +300. Next is the Chicago Bulls at +400. But it should be noted that just because VanVleet has elected to test free agency does not mean the Raptors are completely out of the running.

Toronto parted ways with former head coach Nick Nurse shortly after their season ended and has some fresh blood leading the locker room after hiring first-year head coach Darko Rajaković as his replacement.

The Raptors also have another All-Star in Pascal Siakam and a wealth of young, talented players such as OG Anuoby, Chris Boucher, and a lottery pick in third-year forward Scottie Barnes, who has shown to have a promising future.

The Suns, on the other hand, probably are the most unpredictable team heading into free agency. The future of Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul is uncertain, and what role players they will have to surround Booker and Kevin Durant is also a question mark.

A new trade proposal would land the Phoenix Suns a $96 million star guard for center Deandre Ayton.

Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com proposed that the Suns trade Ayton to the Charlotte Hornets for Terry Rozier, Cody Martin and the 34th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

“Rozier’s next team will really tell the tale of what to make of him,” Olson wrote. “The Scary Terry era in Boston when he ate Eric Bledsoe alive in the 2018 playoffs (remember that?!) is a thing of the past but he’s proven as a Hornet that he’s a productive scorer (19.7 PPG since 2019-20) that absolutely launches 3s (eight a game each of the last three seasons!). Phoenix could use a microwave scorer off the bench. Rozier would be a luxurious one with a touch screen.

“Yes, Martin is the less talented brother to Miami’s Caleb and that makes me chuckle because of how the Suns drafted Robin Lopez and Taylor Griffin, among a few others. But the dude can play, and more specifically, defend. While it’s nothing offensively that will melt your face off like Rozier, Martin’s got some playmaking chops too. … Rozier and Martin would also let Phoenix avoid the problem of plugging holes for role players every season due to their long-term contracts. Rozier’s got two more years down at a pricey $23-24 million, with a team option for 2025-26, while Martin’s at a very affordable annual average of just over $8 million the next three seasons.”

Rozier signed a four-year, $96 million contract with the Hornets in August 2021. He’ll make $23 million next season.

Meanwhile, Martin signed a four-year, $31 million deal with Charlotte in July 2022. He’ll earn $7.6 million in 2023-24.

Deandre Ayton Would Be Excited About a Fresh Start With Another Team

According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Ayton would be excited about a fresh start with another team.

The Suns, who lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals in six games, are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for Ayton this offseason.

“Sources told ESPN that Ayton’s teammates have shared their coach’s frustration with what they perceive to be inconsistent effort and aggression from the 7-footer,” MacMahon reported. “Ayton would be excited about a fresh start with another franchise, sources told ESPN. The Suns are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for him this summer, league sources said.”

Ayton averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds during the regular season, which are solid numbers. However, his production dipped in the 2023 postseason to 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds.

The former No. 1 overall pick put up 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in the Nuggets series and didn’t register a positive plus-minus rating in any game.

Richard Jefferson: Deandre Ayton Will Be Traded This Offseason

Former NBA star and current ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson said on June 8 he’s heard that Ayton will be traded this offseason.

Ayton tried to leave the Suns last offseason by signing a four-year, $132.9 million offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers in restricted free agency.

However, Phoenix matched Indiana’s offer sheet.

Ayton has career averages of 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds. He’ll make $32.5 million next season.

Earlier in June, NBA insider Chris B. Haynes of Bleacher Report announced that the Phoenix Suns informed veteran point guard Chris Paul of their intention to waive him ahead of the NBA free agency period in July. Paul is coming off another postseason run cut short due to injury. And with the Suns already having one injury-prone player in Kevin Durant, the franchise is apparently preparing to move on.

Paul may no longer be an All-Star caliber guard, but that does not mean he cannot be serviceable to other teams around the league. Especially those who are on the cusp of title contention. And with Paul’s veteran leadership, he is still plenty valuable. Per NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Suns are “actively engaged” in trade talks for Paul ahead of the NBA Draft.

“The Suns are actively engaged in trade conversations I’m told around the league about Chris Paul,” Charania said on the June 13 edition of “Run It Back” on FanDuel TV. “They’re exploring multiple options with his future”

Paul has two years and more than $60 million remaining on a 4-year, $120 million deal he signed with the Suns in 2021.

Clippers Floated as Potential Chris Paul Landing Spot

One of the teams that could be in the market to land Paul should the Suns officially part ways with him is the Los Angeles Clippers. Paul was the catalyst of the “Lob City” Clippers era with Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan but was never able to secure a championship.

The Clippers could use a veteran point guard like Paul. But even though his play has dwindled over the past few seasons, he won’t be an easy player to acquire. And the team that does acquire him is going to have to work overtime to entice Suns’ general manager James Jones per Danny Leroux of The Athletic.

“In terms of a trade, acquiring Paul at his current salary requires at least $24.6 million in outgoing salary heading to the Suns or a third team. There are plenty of ways for the Clippers to get there, but the key variable is that the return has to be better for the Suns than simply waiving and stretching Paul,” Leroux wrote.

“But [James] Jones would have some real leverage in negotiations since simply letting him walk is a completely viable option. At the same time, Lawrence Frank and the Clippers would need to decide if there is outgoing salary that does not hurt them too badly, particularly if signing Paul after he gets waived is remotely possible.”

Could Chris Paul Be Effective in Suns’ Reserve Role?

Despite the ramblings surrounding Paul’s future in Phoenix, Suns’ new head coach Frank Vogel says no final decision has been made regarding the veteran point guard. Paul has a hefty salary, and after acquiring Durant at the trade deadline, they need to do some restructuring to make all of the contracts on their roster fit. But one idea that has also been floated is the Suns waiving Paul and bringing him back on a more team-friendly deal.

Paul is no longer in his prime, and his days of being the feature point guard on a title contender are likely over. But bringing him back in a reduced role could give Phoenix a leg up on the competition.

Could you imagine if the Suns were to get a starting point guard such as Kyrie Irving or James Harden in free agency and have Paul, an 11-time All-Star, in the reserve spot? They could have one of the best second units in the NBA, depending on how they fill out the rest of their roster.

After the Denver Nuggets secured a win over the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, they won the first NBA Title in the history of the franchise. Now it is time for the other 29 NBA teams to try to dethrone them in 2024. That starts with this year’s NBA offseason. The Phoenix Suns will be looking for revenge on the new defending NBA champs after they got eliminated by the Nuggets in the second round.

The Suns have been linked to some high-ranking players ahead of the free agency period, including Damian Lillard and James Harden. But perhaps the most intriguing is Kyrie Irving, who was Kevin Durant’s co-star on the Brooklyn Nets. Per Bally Sports NBA Insider, Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Irving is a name that “should be paid attention to” pertaining to the Suns’ free agency plans.

“Kyrie Irving and Phoenix should still be paid attention to. At the trade deadline, Phoenix was very active in trying to bring both Kevin and [Kyrie Irving] to the valley of the sun,” Robinson said during a recent appearance on the “Real Fans, Real Talk” podcast.

“This is going to be [one] of many stories that come out over the next week or two just about his whereabouts and what happens, and I’ll leave it at that.”

Kyrie Irving Could Stay in Dallas

But despite the multiple rumors that Irving and his talents could be heading out of Dallas after a tenure that lasted less than three months, Robinson notes that the likely outcome is Irving signing with the Mavericks long-term during the free agency period.

“However, all signs currently are still pointing to the pg staying with the Dallas Mavericks from the dialogue I’ve had,” Robinson added.

Kyrie staying in Dallas seems to be the most feasible move for the star point guard. Irving’s previous stops with the Boston Celtics and Nets gave him a reputation for his sporadic availability. One of the reasons the Nets were so reluctant to sign Irving to a long-term extension, was because he had not played a full season since joining the franchise in 2019. If Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and general manager Nico Harrison are going to sign him long-term, it would behoove Irving to jump on the deal.

Are Mavs Best Option for Kyrie Irving?

Perhaps staying in Dallas long-term is the right move for Irving. The first go-around for him and his co-star Luka Doncic did not go as well as most people expected it to, but a full season and an opportunity to go through a training camp together could help them build chemistry. From there, there is no telling what can happen.

Playing with the Mavericks could also allow Irving to fly under the radar. Throughout his career, he has been in high-pressure situations. The pressure of playing alongside all-time great players in Kevin Durant and LeBron James in Cleveland and Brooklyn. And the pressure to deliver another title to a storied Boston Celtics franchise.

Although Luka is regarded as one of the most elite players in the NBA, nobody is realistically expecting the Mavericks to compete for an NBA title in the Western Conference. Not with the Suns, Lakers, Warriors, and Nuggets all standing in the way. Playing with lower expectations may allow Irving the opportunity to play freely. Something he has seemed to yearn for his entire career.

Time is supposed to heal all wounds but, in the case of former Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant, it may be having the opposite effect.

In a sidebar from a larger discussion about his legacy, primarily regarding his two championships won with the Golden State Warriors, Durant was posed with the idea that his interactions with critics on social media are “weird behavior disguised as fun”.

Durant clapped back, as he is wont to do, saying that Nets fans are making him the “enemy”.

Just days earlier, Durant tweeted and then deleted a tweet saying Nets fans were “making s*** up” about his role in Denver Nuggets sparkplug Bruce Brown’s departure last offseason. Brown said that Nets general manager Sean Marks and Co. wanted him back but some players did not, though he did not name anyone specifically.

“Front office-wise, they’re great, they’re amazing,” Brown said on the ‘Dan Le Batard Show with Stugots‘ on May 25. “I love Sean Marks, [Jeff Peterson]. But I think, locker-room-wise, it was cool, but we didn’t do much together off the court.”

Brown and the Nuggets are one win away from the first championship in franchise history.

Fans immediately pinned it on Durant which the former Oklahoma City Thunder star was having none of before taking the tweet down.

Mikal Bridges Welcomes Being Different from Nets Ex-Big 3

The Nets looked like the team to beat in the Eastern Conference during their 12-game winning streak that spanned the better part of December into January. But, following the trade request of Kyrie Irving being granted, Durant wanted out too, requesting a trade for the second time he had requested a trade in eight months.

Marks obliged, sending him to Phoenix for a package of Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, and first-round picks. Bridges has been vocal about being different from the previous Nets era’s stars.

“I’m the total opposite of all them dudes,” Bridges told the crew on ‘The Pivot Podcast’ on May 20. “You’re never gonna catch me off-camera doing some crazy s***.”

Bridges took a shart star turn after arriving in the deal.

He averaged 26.1 points on 60.7% true shooting in 27 regular-season appearances and has essentially been deemed off-limits for trade this offseason. Brooklyn already rejected an offer of four first-round picks, albeit from the Memphis Grizzlies who figure to be picking towards the latter portion of the first round for the foreseeable future.

The gregarious 26-year-old is also not shy about recruiting players to his new team, even Eastern Conference Rivals.

Mikal Bridges Recruiting Celtics’ Grant Williams

Bridges first sent a distress signal out to Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams on June 9, calling for the 24-year-old restricted free agent to “save the city”. Taking it one step further, he was spotted at the New York Liberty’s win over the Dallas Wings on June 11.

Williams could be too expensive for the Celtics to retain long-term and the Nets could be aggressive in offering him the full mid-level exception worth $12.2 million, per Spotrac. Boston could always match it but the new CBA is highly punitive to tax teams while Williams can play 3-through-5 and shot 39.5% from beyond the arc last season.

The Phoenix Suns have made several organizational changes since being eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Most notably, they parted ways with their former head coach Monty Williams who was replaced by Frank Vogel. With the Suns hopeful about revamping their roster into a title contender next season, there could be more changes coming.

Several reports have confirmed the future of Suns All-Star point guard Chris Paul is in doubt after injuries once again cut his season short. According to NBA insider Jake L. Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Suns could move Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers for $117 million point guard D’Angelo Russell. Fischer also mentions Phoenix was interested in acquiring Russell from the Timberwolves before he got sent to the Lakers at the deadline.

“Would Phoenix take Russell for Paul? The Suns held discussions with the Timberwolves regarding Russell before the trade deadline, sources told Yahoo Sports before Minnesota found a new home for him with the Lakers,” Fischer writes. “Phoenix also coveted Wolves center Naz Reid in trade talks, sources said.”

D’Angelo Russell & Devin Booker Have Strong Relationship

Russell is the perfect example of a hit-or-miss player. When he is on, he is one of the most explosive guards in the league. However, when Russell is not on his game, he is almost unplayable.

Perhaps Phoenix is just the situation Russell needs. Although there will be championship expectations for the Suns heading into next season, it is unlikely it will be viewed as title or bust. Especially because they have a brand-new head coach in Vogel and a disgruntled starting center in Deandre Ayton. But what could also make Phoenix an ideal new home for the Lakers guard is his relationship with Suns’ star Devin Booker, according to Fischer.

“Russell is known to be close friends with Booker. Plus, the Lakers are said to be exploring similar sign-and-trade possibilities with Russell. For Los Angeles and Phoenix, losing Russell by free agency or waiving Paul would sacrifice a $30 million salary slot that feels all the more precious while staring down a daunting new second tax apron in the league’s upcoming collective bargaining agreement,” Fischer writes.

“These decisions are not ones to make on a whim, and that’s why Phoenix and Paul have begun discussing different alternatives roughly three weeks before free agency begins.”

Mavs Named ‘Likely’ Deandre Ayton Destination

Another Suns player who could be on the move during the offseason is their starting center, Deandre Ayton. After another disappointing playoff run, there has been speculation about his future in Phoenix. Particularly after having his minutes cut in the playoffs by undrafted center Jock Landale.

Per Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Mavericks are a “likely destination” for Ayton next season.

“More than one NBA source said they expect Dallas to be a likely destination for Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton. Dončić and Ayton share an agent (Bill Duffy of WME Sports) and are said to have a good relationship,” Pincus writes.

“Dallas can offer others like Maxi Kleber, Dāvis Bertāns, Reggie Bullock, and Jaden Hardy. But Kleber is said to be one of Dončić’s best friends on the team (and one of its better players) and the least likely to be dealt. Whatever the moves, the Mavericks need to add depth in defenders, shooters, and athletes to support Dončić, Irving, and, if a Phoenix swap goes through, Ayton.”

The Brooklyn Nets had an abrupt roster shakeup at the 2023 NBA trade deadline sending $136 Million point guard Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks and Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns. The split surprised most people, especially given the Nets’ winning streak after Jacque Vaughn took over as head coach earlier in the season.

But despite Durant and Irving splitting, there was no apparent bad blood between the two stars, leaving speculation that a reunion could be on the horizon when Irving hits the free-agent market in July. Although Jake L. Fischer of Yahoo Sports calls Irving to Phoenix a “dreamy” possibility, he also says it is one that “could become a reality,” this summer.

“If there’s one dreamy framework that could become a reality, let’s not forget Phoenix’s strong overtures to acquire Kyrie Irving — another key point guard of this offseason,” Fischer writes.

“Before Brooklyn dealt the dazzling ball-handler to Dallas. The Suns backed off their pursuit of Irving and refocused on landing a bigger prize in Durant, but Phoenix officials haven’t just abandoned the interest they held in Irving four months ago.”

Suns Would Need Help From Mavs in Kyrie Deal

Irving and Durant never got a real crack at competing for a title in Brooklyn. The star guard got injured in the second round of their 2021 playoff run against the Milwaukee Bucks, and in 2022 the New York City covid vaccination mandate foiled their chances.

But as much as Durant would probably welcome a reunion with Irving in a new location, Dallas is not going to let him walk without a fight. Especially because they sent the Nets a gargantuan trade package to acquire him in February.

As a pending unrestricted free agent, where Irving plays basketball next fall is ultimately up to him. But Fischer notes that for the star guard to land in Phoenix, the Suns would need some assistance from the Mavericks.

“That would require some cooperation from the Mavericks, who have so far signaled little willingness to entertain a possible sign-and-trade for Irving with the Lakers, sources said. Dallas, of course, hopes to retain Irving after mortgaging two key rotation pieces plus a 2029 first-round pick to acquire him,” Fischer added.

“But if Irving were to call his shot out of town, perhaps the Mavericks would be more willing to work with a return that netted Paul as opposed to Los Angeles point guard D’Angelo Russell.”

Suns Would Need Help From Mavs in Kyrie Deal

For those who may be tardy to the party, Kyrie Irving, and Nike parted ways after his controversial decision to tweet the link to a film on Amazon that featured anti-Semitic tropes. After parting ways with the sneaker giant, Irving is expected to announce his next sneaker home before the 2023-24 NBA season starts.

But amid his decision, Irving has enjoyed the freedom of rocking whatever sneakers he prefers as he is not tied to a brand. This month during his basketball camp Kyrie was seen rocking the Chinese sneaker brand Anta and independently owned sneaker brand 99 Products.

However, even though Irving wore the two brands at his camp, Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Bally Sports notes that the star guard still has not signed a new endorsement deal.