Despite their finish in 2022, the Suns are considered the favorites to win the NBA title in 2023 according to Arizona sportsbooks.
The Phoenix Suns may be disappointed as they witness Golden State clinch the 2022 NBA Championship, especially in the inaugural season of Arizona online sportsbooks.
Following their loss to Dallas in the Western Conference semifinals, Monty Williams’ team needs to regroup and shift their focus towards leading the franchise to success in 2023.
The NBA Draft usually kicks off on Thursday, but Phoenix will not be involved in this year’s two-round event since they do not possess any picks. This is due in part to their trade of their first round pick to Oklahoma City in 2020 in return for Chris Paul.
Suns Free Agency Update
This indicates that GM James Jones will have to try to reconfigure the team’s roster by exploring NBA free agency.
The first step is to decide if Phoenix plans to re-sign Deandre Ayton, the 2018 No. 1 pick, who is set to become a restricted free agent this summer.
Because the Suns are exceeding the NBA’s salary cap limit, Ayton is subject to a $31.5 million cap hold this season. Nevertheless, Phoenix is still able to allocate up to $19.8 million without impacting Ayton, who was selected by the Suns in the draft.
It is probable that Jones will facilitate a “sign-and-trade” deal for Ayton, allowing him to secure the maximum salary permitted by the league instead of settling for a lower amount if he were to sign with another team as a restricted free agent.
If Ayton leaves, the Suns will need to find a way to replace the impact he had on the team, as he posted averages of 17.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in the regular season after playing for the Arizona Wildcats.
After the Suns make a decision on Ayton, they will have some flexibility to make adjustments to their frontcourt, including the possibility of adding players like Serge Ibaka and Montrezl Harrell.
Top 12 Future Odds for the 2023 NBA Championship
Phoenix is one of the frontrunners for the 2023 NBA title.
Phoenix has firmly established themselves as one of the top contenders for the 2023 NBA championship following the Finals.
Both BetMGM Sportsbook Arizona and Caesars Sportsbook Arizona view Williams’ team as one of the leading contenders.
According to the Arizona betting apps operator, Phoenix is currently ranked sixth, with BetMGM offering odds of +900 for the team to secure their first title in 2023.
According to Caesars Sportsbook Arizona, Phoenix has +800 odds to win the championship, placing them in a tie for fifth with the L.A. Clippers. They are trailing behind the Warriors (+500), Nets and Celtics (+600 each), and Bucks (+750).
Author
Peterson Christopher, who has more than seven years of experience covering sports and sports betting in Arizona for publications such as ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly, and the Green Valley News, now holds the position of lead writer at yengols.com.
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