The Phoenix Suns feel like they have assembled the NBA’s latest superteam after pulling off a blockbuster trade that landed them star guard Bradley Beal earlier this month.
They now have a much different team than they had just five months ago, as the Beal deal comes on the heels of February’s monstrous Kevin Durant trade that jettisoned very good role players in Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson, not to mention several future first-round draft picks.
But Beal is not encroaching on the territory of Devin Booker, the one Phoenix star who has been with the team for several years.
SportsCenter shared a quote featuring praise from Beal toward his new star teammate.
Bradley Beal pays his respects to homegrown superstar Devin Booker ☀️ pic.twitter.com/Usivk9JpyT
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 29, 2023
Although Beal is a three-time All-Star, he has spent much of his 11-year NBA career in relative obscurity, as the Washington Wizards, his previous team, were bad or mediocre for much of his time there.
The Suns may have the best trio in the league, at least on paper, but there are some serious questions about whether they will be true championship contenders.
For one, the Beal and Durant trades have left them with virtually no depth, which is something that could greatly hurt them at various points of a long NBA season.
In addition, Phoenix gave up veteran point guard Chris Paul to get Beal, leaving them without a legitimate, experienced floor general who can run their offense and get the ball to where it needs to be.
But at the very least, they will be must-see television next season, even if they ultimately end up being a big disappointment.
