The Phoenix Suns have been in a bit of a tailspin in recent years. They haven’t made the playoffs since the ’09-’10 season. The last time they had any type of success, superstar PG Steve Nash was running the high powered offense. It seems they are looking to make the point guard position the centerpiece of their franchise once again.
The Suns recently traded Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss to Houston for Ryan Anderson and De’Anthony Melton. The move seems to be more of a means to an end than anything as Chriss has not contributed much since being on the team and Knight has consistently missed time due to injuries. Phoenix area radio host, John Gambadoro, has confirmed the Suns have attempted to acquire a top tier point guard, namely Damian Lillard (Portland), Kemba Walker (Charlotte) and Terry Rozier (Boston). Now after not coming anywhere near hitting their intended targets, Phoenix is now eyeing Patrick Beverley. The Suns are not in the best place to try to lure away any team’s best player as they have limited assets (none) and are not a desirable franchise amongst the NBA’s elite.
Lillard has been recognized as one of the best PG’s in the league for years, Walker has recently emerged as an all star level player and Rozier has created a great amount of interest around the league due to his stellar play in Kyrie’s absence last season. Pairing any of these players with offensive juggernaut, Devin Booker and newly acquired rookie and first overall pick, DeAndre Ayton would put the Suns right back in the mix. Beverley, while he is a good player, is not what many would consider a franchise changing player but he would be a solid piece with the emergence of Booker and depending on what Ayton can give them which should be substantial.
Phoenix, who is on their third head coach in as many seasons, definitely needs to do something drastic to reverse their recent misfortunes. GM Ryan McDonough could find himself spending more time on the Phoenix golf courses than in the executive offices at Talking Stick Resort Arena if he isn’t able to make something happen soon.