Phoenix Suns
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Deandre Ayton
Haynes: Phoenix planning to keep Deandre Ayton
Sun, Jun 25, 2023, 10:52 AM
Chris Haynes on Twitter
The Suns are "moving forward with the plan of keeping" Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, according to Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes.
Analysis: After likely realizing that they weren't getting the value that they expected to get in potential Ayton trades, Phoenix will move forward with their core four. If the right offer comes along, they will likely still move Ayton, but as of now, this is the plan. They'll look to add players in free agency to avoid having zero depth, which cost them mightily in the playoffs. Unfortunately, because they have four massive contracts on their books, building a true contender will be easier said than done.
Deandre Ayton
Report: Deandre Ayton 'very unlikely' to be traded
Fri, Jun 23, 2023, 6:09 PM
John Gambadoro on Twitter
According to Arizona Sports 98.7's John Gambadoro, it is "very unlikely" that Deandre Ayton will be traded this offseason.
Analysis: With the acquisition of Bradley Beal from the Wizards, the Suns find themselves in a position where the depth (which was problematic during the playoffs) needs to be addressed. A "big three" of Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant is undoubtedly potent, but this is a team with five players under contract for next season and not much money left to spend. Hence the rumors regarding Ayton's future in Phoenix, with it being reported earlier this week that multiple teams have inquired about his availability. However, Gambadoro is of the belief that Ayton won't be moved. While remaining with the Suns wouldn't be great for Ayton's fantasy value, it would give new head coach Frank Vogel the opportunity to see if he can turn him into a consistently formidable defensive anchor.
Deandre Ayton
Ay-Ton of calls: Teams inquiring about Suns center
Mon, Jun 19, 2023, 12:43 PM
Pat McAfee on Twitter
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, teams have been calling about the trade availability of Deandre Ayton following the Bradley Beal trade.
Analysis: With the addition of Bradley Beal the Suns now have four guys whose salaries clear the soft cap alone. The odd man out might be Deandre Ayton who hasn't exactly had the greatest of relationships with the organization. It was reported back in May following their second-round exit that the Suns would aggressively explore the trade market for Ayton this Summer. Ayton averaged 18.0 ppg and 10.0 rbg in 67 games last season and will be entering year two of a 4-yr/132M contract.
Isaiah Todd
Woj: Wizards including Isaiah Todd in Suns trade
Mon, Jun 19, 2023, 12:24 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
The Washington Wizards will also be sending Isaiah Todd to the Suns as part of the Bradley Beal trade, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Analysis: More details surrounding the blockbuster Beal trade continue to come out. Isaiah Todd will be joining Jordan Goodwin as part of the throw-ins to the trade. Todd, the 31st pick in the 2021 draft has spent a majority of his two seasons playing for the Wizards' G-League affiliate.
Jordan Goodwin
Report: Jordan Goodwin included in Brad Beal deal
Sun, Jun 18, 2023, 6:22 PM
Josh Robbins on Twitter
Jordan Goodwin has been informed that he will likely be included in the Bradley Beal trade, which will send him to the Suns.
Analysis: Goodwin was a solid player for the Wizards when he got the chance this past season, but he was buried on the depth chart behind other guards. In seven starts this season, he averaged 12.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.3 steals per game. He may not start for Phoenix, but he can provide some depth behind their star-heavy roster.
Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal traded to Suns for CP3, Shamet, picks
Sun, Jun 18, 2023, 3:34 PM
Shams Charania on Twitter
According to Shams Charania, Bradley Beal has been traded to the Suns for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and multiple second-round picks.
Analysis: The Wizards look they’re going for a rebuild, and Beal will get a fresh start out in the desert. He’s regressed in terms of scoring and from a fantasy perspective, but he should have a prominent role with Phoenix alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. The Suns are doing all they can to compete for a title, and adding a former scoring champ in Beal is certainly one way to do it.
Chris Paul
Lakers have interest in Chris Paul if waived
Fri, Jun 16, 2023, 3:06 PM
Jovan Buha
The Lakers have "strong interest" in Chris Paul if he's stretched or waived, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
Analysis: CP3 said earlier this week that he wants to remain in Phoenix, but it may not be up to him. He's due $30 million for each of the next two seasons, and he's past his days of playing to that value. The odds seem high that he'll be waived or traded, but if he's waived, the Suns could still bring him back on a cheaper deal. However, if that happens, the Lakers will be ready to make a strong offer to try and bring in the nine time All-Star point guard. If that happens, D'Angelo Russell will likely be running the offense for a different team next season.
Chris Paul
Report: Suns likely to guarantee Chris Paul's deal
Wed, May 17, 2023, 2:58 PM
Bleacher Report
According to Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes, the Suns are likely to guarantee Chris Paul's contract for the 2023-24 season.
Analysis: The Suns have until June 27 to officially make a decision on Paul's contract, as it will become fully guaranteed on the 28th. CP3, who missed the final four games of Phoenix's second-round loss to the Nuggets, would be owed just under $31 million if his contract is guaranteed for the 2023-24 season. It should be noted that guaranteeing Paul's contract would not rob the Suns of all flexibility. Still, Haynes also reported that the team is operating as if the veteran will be their starting point guard when the season begins.
Chris Paul
Report: PHO expected to look into CP3 trade value
Fri, May 12, 2023, 11:55 AM
ESPN.com
According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, the Suns are expected to look into Chris Paul's trade value this summer.
Analysis: Phoenix's lack of depth proved to be too high of a hurdle for the team to clear, with the Nuggets eliminating the Suns in Game 6 Thursday night. Paul's absence was a major issue, as he injured his groin during Game 2 and missed the series' final four games. In the aftermath, it's been reported that the Suns could look into the trade market for CP3 and Deandre Ayton in order to improve the team's depth. Paul's contract for next season will become fully guaranteed on June 28, with Bontemps reporting that the team will likely look into his trade value before making a decision on the contract.
Deandre Ayton
Report: Suns to explore market for Deandre Ayton
Fri, May 12, 2023, 11:49 AM
NBA Injury Report
According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, the Suns are "expected to aggressively explore the trade market" for Deandre Ayton this summer.
Analysis: Ayton missed the Suns' Game 6 loss to the Nuggets due to a rib contusion, but things have seemed a bit "off" between him and the organization for the better part of the last two seasons. The Suns weren't keen on giving him a max contract extension, with Ayton ultimately signing an offer sheet with the Pacers worth $133 million over four years last summer. Phoenix obviously matched the offer. Also of note was Ayton being benched by Monty Williams during the team's embarrassing Game 7 loss to the Mavericks last spring and the subsequent lack of communication between the two. Phoenix's lack of depth in the aftermath of the Kevin Durant trade proved problematic, which could lead to Ayton and/or Chris Paul being moved this summer in order to improve the "supporting cast" for Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker held to 12 points, Suns eliminated
Fri, May 12, 2023, 12:09 AM
Devin Booker struggled on Thursday and finished with just 12 points (4-for-13 FGs), one rebound, eight assists, one steal, one block and one 3-pointer against Denver in Game 6.
Analysis: Without Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul, a lot of the scoring responsibility fell on the shoulder of Booker and Kevin Durant. Unfortunately, Book just wasn’t able to get things going offensively like he has in other games this series. It was a second straight year of a disappointing blowout loss at home to end their season. Regardless, Booker is still the face of the franchise and will be an elite fantasy option next year, even with KD playing alongside him. Be ready to spend a second round pick in him.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant puts up 23/5/5 in Game 6 loss to DEN
Fri, May 12, 2023, 12:04 AM
Kevin Durant put up a solid line with 23 points (8-for-19 FGs), five rebounds and five assists against the Nuggets in Game 6 on Thursday.
Analysis: KD got off to a very slow start in this game, starting 1-for-10 from the floor. He ended up getting things going later on, but it was too late at that point. Durant's first season in Phoenix is now over, and they'll likely need to make some adjustments to bring in some depth behind their star-studded roster. None of that will impact KD. He's still going to be a fantasy superstar when he's on the court next season. More chemistry with the team over the summer should help them be more successful in the standings as well.
Cameron Payne
Cameron Payne leads Suns with 31, seven triples
Thu, May 11, 2023, 11:58 PM
Cameron Payne led the Suns with 31 points (12-for-16 FGs), six rebounds, two assists, one block and seven 3-pointers in a 125-100 loss to Denver in Game 6 on Thursday.
Analysis: Without Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, didn’t we all expect Payne to be the one to step up and lead the offensive attack for Phoenix? He made his first seven shots from beyond the arc before finally missing. Unfortunately, he didn’t get a ton of help from Kevin Durant or Devin Booker. Payne had to start the final four games of the series because CP3 was injured, and this was the only game that he had a big-time performance, he has one more year on his contract, so he'll likely stick around as Paul's backup for at least one more season.
Landry Shamet
Landry Shamet starting Game 6 vs. Denver on Thurs.
Thu, May 11, 2023, 2:53 PM
John Gambadoro on Twitter
Landry Shamet is expected to be in the starting lineup for Thursday's Game 6 matchup with the Nuggets.
Analysis: Deandre Ayton is out, but we expect Shamet will replace Cam Payne, with one of Phoenix's backup centers also joining the fray in a win-or-go-home contest. Payne has started each of the Suns' last three games, but his play has been mediocre at best. Shamet's 19 points off the bench proved crucial to the Suns' victory in Game 4, so perhaps Monty Williams is looking for another spark on offense to take the burden off of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Deandre Ayton
Deandre Ayton (ribs) out Thursday vs. Nuggets
Thu, May 11, 2023, 2:47 PM
Shams Charania on Twitter
Deandre Ayton has been ruled out of Thursday's matchup with the Nuggets due to a rib contusion.
Analysis: It's a monster injury for a Phoenix team that's on the brink of elimination. Despite Ayton's struggles in this series, he's had some productive moments, and his absence thins the frontcourt out significantly. We'd expect Jock Landale to start, with Bismack Biyombo picking up a few extra minutes. Landale has averaged 6.3 points and 6.0 rebounds across 19.7 minutes over the Suns' last three games.
Chris Paul
Chris Paul (groin) out for Game 6 on Thursday
Wed, May 10, 2023, 8:26 PM
NBA Injury Report
Chris Paul (left groin) will remain sidelined for Thursday's Game 6 against Denver.
Analysis: Paul will miss a fourth straight game, and Cam Payne will most likely draw another start in his place. Payne's play has been mediocre at best, as he sports averages of 6.3 points, 1.3 boards, 4.7 dimes and 1.0 steals in his three recent starts.
Deandre Ayton
Deandre Ayton (ribs) questionable Thursday vs. DEN
Wed, May 10, 2023, 7:43 PM
NBA Injury Report
Deandre Ayton is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Nuggets due to a rib contusion.
Analysis: Ayton hasn't played too well in this series, and the team has given more minutes to Jock Landale as a result. Landale would be the most likely candidate to slot into the starting lineup if Ayton is ultimately sidelined for a win-or-go-home Game 6 at home.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant finishes Game 5 with 26/11/7/0/1 line
Wed, May 10, 2023, 12:09 AM
Kevin Durant played 42 minutes in Tuesday's 118-106 loss to Denver with 26 points (10-of-24 FGs, 6-of-9 FTs), 11 rebounds, seven assists, and one blocked shot.
Analysis: Durant recorded a solid stat line in Tuesday's loss, finishing three assists shy of a triple-double. However, he missed all three of his 3-point attempts while also turning the ball over five times (Phoenix had 10 total). Durant has put up numbers in this series, but the Nuggets have made him work for his looks. KD's shot less than 42% from the field in three of the five games in this series, something he didn't do once in Phoenix's first-round series against the Clippers. Phoenix also needs more from Deandre Ayton, who finished Game 5 with 14 points (7-of-12 FGs), nine rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one blocked shot in 32 minutes. The Suns will look to get back on track and keep their season alive in Game 6 on Thursday.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker cools off but still scores 28 points
Tue, May 9, 2023, 11:52 PM
Kellan Olson on Twitter
Devin Booker shot 8-of-19 from the field and 8-of-9 from the foul line in Tuesday's 118-102 loss to Denver, accumulating 28 points, six rebounds, four assists, and four 3-pointers in 41 minutes.
Analysis: After torching the Nuggets for the first four and a half games of the series, Booker cooled off in a major way during the third quarter of Game 5. He shot 1-of-8 from the field in the period, and the Nuggets outscored the Suns by a 39-25 margin. Phoenix's inconsistent bench -- and Monty Williams not trusting many of them to take on extended minutes -- has placed even more responsibility on Booker's shoulders. He's largely responded, with the third quarter being the lone exception. Something to watch heading into Game 6 was Booker appearing to tweak his left ankle during the first half. While he played through the issue, with Williams saying after the game that he believed Booker to be OK, that may have impacted the star guard in the third quarter.
Chris Paul
Chris Paul (groin) ruled out for Game 5 Tuesday
Mon, May 8, 2023, 6:11 PM
Duane Rankin on Twitter
Chris Paul (left groin) has been ruled out for Game 5 against Denver on Tuesday.
Analysis: CP3 will remain for Game 5, which is what previous reports indicated. Cameron Payne will continue to start at point guard in his place.

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