Why don’t the Phoenix Suns have a 1st-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft?
By Lior Lampert
Without a first-round pick in this year’s NBA Draft, the Suns are going to have to find alternative ways to improve their roster this offseason.
Since the Suns traded for Chris Paul in 2020, they have made a concerted effort to capitalize on the championship window they believe they have. As a result, we have seen Phoenix part ways with some talented young players to build the title-contending juggernaut they are now.
Why don’t the Suns have a 2023 1st-round pick?
ESPN story on the Suns landing Kevin Durant — and how the night and negotiations unfolded https://t.co/ZmQPdki3HS
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
Just a couple of days after becoming the majority owner of the Phoenix Suns, Mat Ishbia had his sights set on Durant. He came in and made an immediate splash move that made the Suns the consensus favorites to come out of the Western Conference according to sportsbooks.
In exchange for Kevin Durant [and T.J. Warren], the Nets received an elite two-way wing player in Mikal Bridges along with 3-point marksman Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected future first-round picks (2023, 2025, 2027, 2029), and a pick swap in 2028. Brooklyn then traded Crowder to the Bucks for five second-round selections.
With Chris Paul turning 38 next month, the Suns know the time for this team is now. Adding one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history to a starting lineup already consisting of Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton makes this team virtually impossible to defend.
The Suns mortgaged their NBA Draft future
They did so with the hopes that Durant will help bring a title to Phoenix. Chris Paul is one of the greatest players in NBA history and the only blemish on his resume is the fact that he has never been able to win a championship.
Could this finally be the year for Chris Paul and the Suns? Being that they currently only have two first-round selections between now and 2029, the fans and organizations sure hope so.
Even if they do not get it done this season, Kevin Durant is 34 years old but has shown no signs of slowing down. The Suns should remain firmly in contention until he does and as long as Devin Booker is still on the team.
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