With their loss to the Timberwolves last night, the Phoenix Suns are the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs.
Here's how the offseason is shaping up for them:
Projected Cap Space with Cap Holds/Accept Options: -$100,324,490
Maximum Cap Space (i.e. without Cap Holds/Decline Options): -$61,834,671
Cap Holds:
Options
Draft Picks
1st Rounds: Own Pick (23rd)
Outlook
After having championships aspirations with the addition of Beal, getting swept in the first round will likely mean changes to the Suns this offseason.
Sounds like Vogel may be out and possibly some other changes but I don't know who's even available that would be an upgrade.
I think the roster was doomed as soon as they got Beal since they basically took all their remaining assets and put it into a player that didn't fill their biggest needs (True Point Guard to run offense, Wing and/or Center defense).
With Beal having a no-trade clause it'll make it difficult to move him, so your either stuck running back with the same flawed roster hoping maybe a coaching change/full healthy season improves things or your looking at trading KD or Booker. Outside of a major move they don't really have flexibility due to being over the 2nd Apron.
Man, I think there are probably quite a few GMs who are glad they didn't pay for or be in consideration for Durant. It's awesome he's ready to let someone else (Booker) be the face but IMO he used it as a chance to reduce responsibility for failure. Aggressively. Still talented and will be able to shoot over people until he's 80 and could still play a great supporting role for a contender but looked completely over the hill. Should be traded for what can be salvaged.
Beal is a talented-at-times scorer who, against weak teams, in his prime, could do well. The playoffs, when your older are no time to learn how to compete, play as part of a system or play defense. Has to go.
Booker won't be traded, he's the face. He's better than Beal as he has grit and a much higher floor and ceiling but he's gotta learn how to play team D.
Nurk was decent but is used to playing with talented passers and team ball...Booker and Beal mostly heroball. Nurk also doesn't have what it takes for the playoffs, he's been outclassed in ost every series I've ever seen him in while with Portland...including making Ayton look good at times.
Don't fire the coach, dude is good.
Problem is today you can't have 3 people commanding too many shots because the ball movement is then non existant. Plus, they can't get in the rhythm most of the times.
Going for Beal will go down as a Nets-Celtics level trade.