After the Beal trade, how much longer will the Suns’ Core Four remain intact?
Following their second consecutive disappointment in the Western Conference Semifinals, the Phoenix Suns wasted no time in overhauling their roster by sending Chris Paul and Landry Shamet to the Wizards in return for three-time All-Star Bradley Beal. This trade generated excitement within Arizona sports betting communities.
The Father’s Day deal has given the Suns a talented foundation to build upon, featuring players such as Beal, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton. Yet, the future of these players with the team remains uncertain.
The four star players are projected to make a combined total of $162,866,661 for the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season, exceeding the league’s luxury tax limit of $162M. This may impede the Suns’ efforts in forming a team capable of contending for a championship.
Oddsmakers are hesitant to declare the Suns as the clear favorite for the championship following their acquisition of Beal. According to the odds at BetMGM Sportsbook Arizona, the Suns are listed at +650 to win their first title in 2024, ranking them below the Nuggets (+500), Celtics (+550), and Bucks (+600).
Yengols.com examined the likelihood of Ayton, Beal, Booker, and Durant sticking with the Suns, giving fans a basis to manage their expectations for the upcoming season.
Chances of the Core Four Remaining Together
Will the core players of the Suns remain with the team for an extended period of time?
The longevity of the Suns’ lineup featuring Ayton, Beal, Booker, and Durant on Arizona betting apps is unclear due to the high cost of each player against the cap. Additionally, Durant has faced challenges in developing chemistry with his teammates in Oklahoma City, Golden State, and Brooklyn.
The Suns have raised concerns about Ayton’s performance in the playoffs against the Mavericks and Nuggets, as well as his high $32.4M cap hit as the top pick in 2018. This could lead to Phoenix potentially moving on from the talented center from the Bahamas soon.
Yengols.com is offering +500 odds on the Suns’ Ayton, Beal, Booker, and Durant staying together through the NBA offseason and all wearing purple and orange when the Suns start camp in the fall.
Among the four players discussed, Ayton is the most likely candidate to be traded in the upcoming NBA season because of his unhappiness with former head coach Monty Williams and his inconsistent play during the playoffs.
There is a possibility that Ayton could be traded to a team on the rise in the offseason, as the Suns are contemplating not bringing back the former Arizona Wildcat when his restricted free agency begins in 2022.
If new head coach Frank Vogel, team president & GM James Jones, and owner Mat Ishbia choose to take a chance and take on the high salaries of the team’s top four players, the most likely time for Phoenix to adjust their starting lineup would be at the NBA trade deadline next spring. (+800).
Additionally, Phoenix may choose to keep their starting lineup unchanged for the duration of the season, aiming to build strong chemistry among the four players and ultimately guide the Suns to success following disappointments in past playoff appearances.
The Suns have a $5 million mid-level exception and other salary cap options at their disposal, making it unlikely that they will have to trade one of their highest paid players before the 2023-24 season.
Currently, Suns fans can celebrate the addition of one of the NBA’s top scorers, giving Booker and Durant a skilled teammate who will shine on the court in the upcoming season.
Keep an eye out for Arizona sportsbook deals as the Suns gear up for their upcoming championship bid.
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Author
With more than seven years of experience in sports and sports betting coverage in Arizona, Peterson Christopher is now the principal writer at yengols.com. He has also held positions at ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly, and the Green Valley News.
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