The Phoenix Suns are focused on winning the NBA championship next year.
Their recent moves seemingly put them closer to the title, but the team still has a lot of work to do.
Following the Bradley Beal for Chris Paul trade, the Suns will spend over $161 million on Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Deandre Ayton.
In this situation, Ayton was expected to be traded by the Suns, but the team is making a U-turn and will retain the player beyond this season, according to Chris Haynes.
Phoenix Suns are moving forward with the plan of keeping Deandre Ayton to play alongside Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 25, 2023
This is a risky move for Phoenix. They already were in a complex situation financially with Ayton and his $32.46 million for 2023-24.
Besides these four large contracts, Cameron Payne is also on the team’s payroll.
Including the point guard, the Suns will spend $169.4 million on five players.
The Suns would’ve been better off trading Ayton for depth, but the front office wants to see how he fares with the other three superstars.
Suns believe Ayton’s value to the franchise is at an all-time high with the additions of Beal and Durant. Phoenix wants to see them play together.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 25, 2023
Following that disappointing series against the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 playoffs, many questioned Ayton’s future with the team.
Frank Vogel is taking over as head coach following the firing of Monty Williams.
He’s reportedly excited to coach Ayton, which could help the Suns confirm this was the right path to follow.
NEXT: Analyst Says It's Unlikely That The Suns Will Trade Deandre Ayton
