What can we make of the Phoenix Suns’ move – a year later?

One year has now elapsed since the Phoenix Suns finalized the acquisition of Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards, making it an official reality.

Although the trade received widespread praise from Suns fans, it was met with skepticism from NBA fans and media. Looking back, the assessment of the deal has not been favorable.

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report represents one perspective that is critical of the move in hindsight, as he assigned a D+ grade to Phoenix for the trade, a year later.

The Suns took a significant gamble, confident it would unsettle the rest of the league, only to discover the issues were largely within their own ranks. Bradley Beal struggled with injuries, the star players failed to elevate their teammates, and the budget-friendly supporting cast struggled to provide sufficient depth. Despite expectations of a formidable offense, it only ranked 10th in efficiency. While the stars’ shared court time produced a respectable plus-6.6 net rating, it fell short of greatness, potentially ranking third in the league.

Phoenix fell short of both 50 regular-season wins and a playoff victory. Coach Frank Vogel was dismissed, trade rumors swirled around Kevin Durant, and Beal would have faced similar speculation had it not been for his restrictive no-trade clause, surprisingly retained by Phoenix.

The Suns find themselves over the second salary cap threshold, severely limiting their ability to improve externally without dismantling their star-studded core, a move their leadership insists won’t happen.

In hindsight, Beal was an odd fit from the outset. Apart from contractual complexities and injury concerns, his playing style awkwardly overlapped with Durant’s and Booker’s, all of whom excel most with the ball in their hands. Although the Suns would never publicly admit it, given the chance to reverse the Beal trade, they would do so without hesitation.

The widely held belief that the Phoenix Suns took a risk by signing a max-contract player who hadn’t been selected to the All-Star team for two years and that this deal could worsen due to expected decline is valid. However, it’s important to consider the broader context of the situation.

Firstly, the process of making decisions is just as important as the actual results, even in a competitive league like the NBA. After a disappointing playoff exit, the Suns needed to explore options for improving their roster and were not planning to retain Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton. Considering the available options, acquiring Bradley Beal in exchange for Paul, Landry Shamet, and a collection of future draft picks was the best move for the team. The Suns should be commended for aiming high after years of settling for average results, regardless of the final outcome.

Additionally, Beal faced challenges such as untimely injuries and being utilized in a role that didn’t align with the coaching staff’s vision, which impacted his performance negatively.

Finally, Beal demonstrated moments of exceptional play during the previous season, indicating that he still has the potential to perform at an All-Star level, as evidenced by impressive games against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings.

Ultimately, the decision by the Suns was the right one, regardless of whether it leads to a championship. Beal has been an outstanding representative of Phoenix, a positive presence in the locker room, and a valuable player when he’s at full health.