NBA free agency: The 3 biggest winners in this offseason so far

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Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second quarter against the LA Clippers in game five of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 25, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The 3 biggest winners of Free Agency so far; 2. Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns were one of the first teams that made a big splash in free agency. After longtime Washington Wizard Bradley Beal requested a trade the Suns jumped at the opportunity. They were a part of a 3 team deal that sent Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, Bilal Coulibaly (seventh overall pick in the draft), four pick swaps and four second-round picks to the Wizards. The Pacers got Jarace Walker (eighth overall pick in the draft) and a future second-round pick from the Wizards and Suns, and then the Suns got Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin, and Isaiah Todd.

This trade was good and bad for the Suns. They got rid of Chris Paul who’s an aging superstar with injury history and in return got Bradley Beal who is still in his prime and one of the elite scorers in this league. The thing that hurt the Suns the most in this trade was that they had no depth.

Once free agency rolled around they made a lot of little signings that could impact them in a great way. They first re-signed Josh Okogie and Damion Lee. Okogie will provide great hustle and be one of their top defenders while Lee will be a great 3-point shooter for them, as he shot 44.5 percent last season.

Then the Suns signed Yuta Watanabe, who will give great floor spacing. Then they went out and got Drew Eubanks and Chimezie Metu, who will mainly be used as a lob threat and pick-and-roll option on offense while also providing solid defense at the rim. They got Keita Bates-Diop to a two-year deal who gives them good defense and solid shooting from the wing.

The Suns’ biggest signing this offseason is the 2017 6th Man of the Year winner Eric Gordon. He will be turning 35 next season but he can still be a nice burst off the bench for the Suns.

As long as Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton stay healthy, all of these signings will work out great for the Suns. Do not be surprised if they come out on top as Western Conference Champions.

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