Why The Phoenix Suns Traded For Bradley Beal

The Phoenix Suns completed a trade today that sends Washington guard Bradley Beal to the Suns for pretty much nothing. Well not nothing, but in an NBA sense as the parts Phoenix sent back were Chris Paul’s expiring contract and a bunch of second round picks.

So with the trade done and the Suns trading for Bradley Beal, one must ask why did the Suns trade for Bradley Beal in the first place?

If Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant were to join the Phoenix Suns alongside Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton, it would create a formidable lineup with a combination of scoring, playmaking, and overall talent. Here’s how their roles and playing styles might fit together:

1. Devin Booker:
Booker would remain as the primary scoring option for the Suns. He has proven himself as a high-volume scorer and a go-to player in clutch situations. Booker’s ability to create his own shot and attack the basket would be valuable alongside Beal and Durant. With Beal and Durant drawing attention from defenders, Booker could find even more open looks and opportunities to showcase his scoring prowess.

2. Bradley Beal:
Beal would bring his elite scoring ability and versatility to the Suns’ lineup. He is a fantastic shooter and can create his own shot off the dribble. Beal’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from beyond the arc would complement Booker’s game well. Additionally, Beal’s off-ball movement and ability to navigate screens would allow him to thrive in an offense with multiple scoring options.

3. Kevin Durant:
Durant is one of the most talented and versatile scorers in NBA history. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, including mid-range, three-point range, and at the rim, would make him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Durant’s size and shooting touch would provide the Suns with a valuable stretch-four option. His presence would create spacing, opening up driving lanes for Booker, Beal, and the rest of the team.

4. DeAndre Ayton:
Ayton’s role would primarily revolve around his skills as a rebounder, shot-blocker, and finisher around the rim. With the attention on the team’s perimeter scorers, Ayton would have opportunities for easy baskets off pick-and-rolls and offensive rebounds. He would provide a solid defensive presence, protecting the rim and complementing the offensive firepower of the team.

The combination of Booker, Beal, Durant, and Ayton would give the Phoenix Suns an incredibly potent offense. They would have a multitude of scoring options at their disposal, both in isolation situations and through ball movement. The team’s ability to space the floor and create mismatches would make them a difficult team to defend. Defensively, while Beal and Durant have shown their capability as individual defenders, the team’s success on that end would also depend on their collective effort and the coaching strategies employed.

Will the Suns win the 2024 NBA Championship with this lineup?