The Washington Wizards made a blockbuster move by sending their superstar, Bradley Beal, to the Phoenix Suns. In return, they received future Hall-of-Famer point guard Chris Paul, plus Landry Shamet and some picks. But, with such a huge move in the offseason, these two could create a whole new landscape for their city and the NBA. That being said, who really won the trade? Let’s go over the details and find out who got the better out of this one.
Phoenix Suns receive three-time NBA All-Star, Bradley Beal!
The Phoenix Suns’ potential 2023-2024 lineup could introduce a new big three in the Valley. Featuring the three best scorers of our generation, the Suns’ roster could be lethal. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are now joined by another All-Star guard, Bradley Beal. Last season, KD and Booker averaged 29.7 and 27.8 points per game, respectively. Meanwhile, Beal had a 23.2 PPG despite only playing 50 games. With that, this new big three could get the Suns a total of 80 points on any given night.
The Phoenix Suns have a new Big 3 of Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker 👀
Are they the favorites to come out of the West? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/BIPlS2zwPV
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 18, 2023
Not only that, they still have DeAndre Ayton who can also produce 18 points and 10 rebounds on a good day. But, with the departure of point God, Chris Paul, the Phoenix Suns are left with only one player to run point – Cameron Payne. On paper, this team looks scary on the offensive side of the ball. But, it seems that they don’t have a deep bench after acquiring All-Stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in the same year. In addition to that, although Cam Payne is a decent PG, can they survive with Payne being the starting point guard in a Conference that features Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry, Luka Doncic, Damian Lillard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ja Morant, De’Aaron Fox, and more?
Washington Wizards could possibly get the service of a 38-year-old Chris Paul and sharpshooting guard Landry Shamet alongside multiple draft picks and pick swaps
Indeed, the Washington Wizards turned Bradley Beal’s massive contract into Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, some second-round draft picks, and some pick swaps. The organization is obviously currently in rebuild mode with such moves. They do have Kristaps Porzingis, but there are rumors that the European star could play for another team by the end of summer. Meanwhile, it’s hard to say if the Wizards will keep CP3. As they are rebuilding, it would be acceptable if they shop Paul again and trade him for stars or great role players.
The Clippers are interested in Chris Paul, per @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/KplRGfr0L7
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 18, 2023
There are reports that the Los Angeles Clippers are interested in a possible reunion with the 12-time All-Star. Paul played for the Clippers from 2011 to 2017. The Wizards’ front office is still on the move to making this team a championship contender after missing the playoffs for a long time.
But, who won the Bradley Beal trade?
This is a very tough question, but here we go. Bradley Beal is definitely an upgrade to a “washed and old” Chris Paul. Together with Durant and Booker, they now form a very lethal big three with Ayton manning the paint. However, Beal isn’t THAT GUY yet. The Suns don’t have a reliable point guard to run the offense without the three of them hogging the ball. Both Beal and Booker play the same position and even have the same style – Iso ball then pull-up in the post.
Don’t get me wrong, they are two of the best shooting guards in the league, but can they co-exist on the same team? Moreover, the Suns’ bench is getting more and more depleted, especially since Landry Shamet is now gone, another important piece to the team is also gone. On top of that, Beal has a ridiculous contract that even has a no-trade clause in it. His move to the Suns was made possible because he chose them in lieu of his no-trade clause rights.
.@kpelton's grades for the expected Bradley Beal trade are up now on @ESPNPlus 📝
🔗 https://t.co/BBwYWfX2pT pic.twitter.com/1dwxPbMhpa
— ESPN (@espn) June 18, 2023
On the other hand, the Wizards have gotten rid of Beal’s contract. And although they received a 38-year-old Chris Paul, they have the chance to make something out of the future Hall-of-Famer.
In conclusion, we have to give this one to the Wizards.
Props to them for being relieved of Beal and possibly rebuilding a great team in the future. The Phoenix Suns can win now, for sure. However, the Wizards could restart and begin the process again to become a contender in the future.
Do you agree with our take? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!
