The Phoenix Suns made a bold move by trading for Chris Paul last offseason, and the gamble paid off as they finished with the second-best record in the NBA and reached the NBA Finals for the first time in 28 years. However, despite their success, they still have some unfinished business to attend to, especially after the disastrous early playoff exit of Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets. Here’s how the Suns can save the Kevin Durant trade and take the next step towards a championship:
- Re-sign Chris Paul
The first order of business for the Suns is to re-sign Chris Paul, who is set to become a free agent this offseason. Paul was instrumental in the Suns’ success this season, providing leadership and playmaking that helped them reach the NBA Finals. The Suns should offer Paul a long-term deal that reflects his value and importance to the team, while also being mindful of his age and injury history.
- Improve their bench
One of the biggest weaknesses of the Suns this season was their lack of depth, especially on the bench. The Suns’ second unit struggled to provide consistent scoring and playmaking, which put a lot of pressure on their starters. To address this issue, the Suns should target players in free agency who can provide scoring and playmaking off the bench, such as Patty Mills, Lou Williams, or Goran Dragic.
- Improve their perimeter defense
The Suns had one of the best defenses in the league this season, but they struggled to defend the perimeter in the playoffs, especially against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Suns should target perimeter defenders in free agency or through trades to help improve their defense against teams with strong perimeter players like the Los Angeles Clippers or Golden State Warriors.
- Develop young players
The Suns have a talented young core of players, including Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Johnson, who have shown flashes of brilliance this season. The Suns should continue to develop these players and give them more opportunities to contribute to the team’s success. Ayton, in particular, could benefit from more touches and a bigger role in the offense, as he has shown the ability to dominate in the paint.
- Stay the course
Despite the disappointment of losing in the NBA Finals, the Suns have a bright future ahead of them. They have a talented roster, a great coach in Monty Williams, and a strong front office led by James Jones. The Suns should stay the course and continue to build on their success, rather than making drastic changes that could set them back. By doing so, they can save the Kevin Durant trade and take the next step towards a championship.
