NBA Veteran Predicts Blockbuster Offseason for the Suns
Despite boasting three All-Star-caliber players, the Phoenix Suns have fallen short of expectations. With a 27-30 record and sitting 11th in the Western Conference, their playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy. This underwhelming performance may push the organization to reconsider its future during the offseason.
While Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are each averaging over 26 points per game, their offensive prowess hasn’t been enough to compensate for the team’s bottom-five defense. With trade rumors swirling around Durant and Bradley Beal before the deadline, the Suns could be in for a major shake-up this summer.
NBA Veteran’s Bold Prediction
Former Memphis Grizzlies forward and nine-year NBA veteran Chandler Parsons believes the Suns will attempt to move Durant and Beal in the offseason, restructuring the team around Booker.
“I think this is Devin Booker’s team,” Parsons said. “I think it always has been, I think it always will be. I think he’ll be the last piece to get moved… It’s gonna be KD and Beal first [to get traded]. I think Beal’s obviously the harder one to trade with the no-trade clause and the salary he’s making… Kevin Durant is the obvious one. I think people will make big pitches to acquire him this summer.”
Durant’s Trade Value and Beal’s Contract Challenge
At 36 years old, Durant is still playing at an elite level, averaging 26.9 points on impressive shooting splits (53.2% FG, 40.1% 3PT, 82.4% FT). Teams around the league recognize that acquiring Durant could instantly elevate them to championship contention, making him a prime trade target.
On the other hand, Beal’s situation is more complicated. The 31-year-old is locked into a $250 million contract with a no-trade clause, making a deal difficult. Although he was heavily rumored to be moved before the trade deadline, he reportedly declined to waive his NTC. The Suns must find a way to offload Beal’s contract if they hope to retool the roster for future success.
Regardless of how the situation unfolds, Phoenix is set to be at the center of trade discussions this offseason, with major decisions looming.
