The NBA trade deadline has passed, and teams are at ease now. But not the Phoenix Suns. The Suns are currently facing internal turmoil within their locker room. While the dates are gone for now, Phoenix’s quest for acquiring an All-Star was left shorthanded.
The major takeout of the Suns’ trade deadline would be just getting rid of Jusuf Nurkic. Moreover, that would be summarized as a salary-dumping move while offloading the center. The rumor mill had been dominated by speculation regarding the departure of either guard Bradley Beal or forward Kevin Durant. However, both players remained with the team. Beal declined to waive his no-trade clause, and Durant vetoed proposed trades that would have sent him back to Golden State or Memphis.
However, ESPN NBA insider Ramona Shelburne recently opened up about the Phoenix Suns’ locker room atmosphere.
“The word I would use, he used glum, I’ll use toxic. That shootaround yesterday I heard was very awkward, very weird in Oklahoma City. Because everybody was on pins and needles, wondering what they were going to do…The thing they were trying to do did not come to fruition because Kevin Durant said no. It’s hard to move forward, and I think that’s where they’re left,” Shelburne said.
According to Ramona, the uncertainty surrounding Durant and Bea’s futures has only fostered an uncomfortable atmosphere. She noted that the camp’s morale had taken a hit after the front office failed to materialize any significant trades. Although they needed some improvements, the overall situation was far from favorable.
Phoenix Suns In The Mix With Kevin Durant And Bradley Beal
The current situation at the Suns camp is a bit frustrating with Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant at the helm. Despite being key figures for the Suns, both players are facing their own sets of challenges and are getting the heat for their performances.
Beal is locked into a contract regarded as one of the least favorable in the league, boasting a no-trade clause that leaves him in control of his fate. This has majorly contributed to the Suns’ added headache as he is blocked the way for any potential trades.
After Beal, Durant was the one management was exploring a match for, especially the Warriors. But that could also not materialize. Now, the Suns find themselves in a puzzling yet frustrating position in the standings. They are sitting at .500 and facing a daunting schedule ahead. The team’s ambitious goal of contending for a championship seems increasingly distant as they struggle to find consistency on the court.
Phoenix had to act decisively in light of the significant moves made by rival teams, such as the Warriors acquiring Jimmy Butler and the Spurs adding De’Aaron Fox. At the same time, Durant’s dismissal of trade rumors slashed the remaining chances of roster improvement.
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