Despite being the most expensive team in the NBA, the Phoenix Suns failed to make the NBA playoffs. That caps a disastrous season that will undoubtedly lead to an off-season teardown.
A teardown could include trading Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and possibly even Devin Booker to help replenish their empty draft pick stockpile.
All that makes their decision to break up their 2021 NBA Finals team all the more puzzling. After all, they won 64 games the following season and could have just as easily run the team back and been better off. Or, they could have stopped after trading for Durant. A painful reminder of that just recently occurred that is likely to make Suns fans think, What if?"
Phoenix Suns castoff reminds them what they're missing after a major setup
Former Suns point guard Chris Paul just completed his 20th season with the San Antonio Spurs and did so in an impressive fashion. Despite being 40 years old, Paul played all 82 games for the first time in his career. He also became the oldest player ever to play a full 82-game season, showing off his longevity.
While the Spurs, like the Suns, missed the playoffs and the play-in tournament, Paul's play at point guard wasn't the issue. He averaged an impressive 7.4 assists and 1.3 steals in just 28 minutes per game and boasted one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the NBA. Compared to what they got from Tyus Jones this season.
The decision to trade Paul for Beal is made even worse with them having traded four first-round pick swaps and six second-round picks to the Washington Wizards for the privilege of adding Beal. Now they may have to trade multiple firsts to offload Beal.
The Suns could have and should have brought Chris Paul back
Had Paul rejoined the Suns last summer, he could have made a big impact and potentially guided Phoenix back to the playoffs. Instead, Phoenix is poised to have a tear-down with Durant, who is likely to be traded, and Beal, who may be waived if he doesn't waive his no-trade clause.
Ultimately, the Suns' decision to trade Paul in the deal to acquire Beal is likely one they regret big time. Especially with them probably having to either give up multiple picks or stretch and waive him. With Paul being a free agent, a reunion is possible, but with the uncertainty surrounding the Suns, it's unlikely.