With the Phoenix Suns losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the season ended. For Devin Booker and Durant, their next focus can be shifted to the Paris Olympics, but the Suns management and owner Iberia have only just begun. Vogel, the champion coach who signed a 5-year 31 million contract, did not see the charm of a defensive expert in the playoffs, and he couldn't limit Edwards in four games, the champion in 2020, incarnated as a basketball god in the series, all kinds of unreasonable hard solution ability, and excellent overall vision, all of which were vividly displayed in the hands of the two sides. If Mr. 100 million yuan, who awakens the potential of a superstar, is the key factor in the Suns' exit, then the performance of Bradley Beal in the team is the essence of the finishing touch. In the playoffs, he averaged 38.5 minutes per game, contributed 16.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds, and reached an astonishing net efficiency of -13.3 points.
Although there is a problem with the depth of the squad at the No. 1 and No. 5 positions, the big three in the team can rely on their individual strength to reverse the decline. However, Beal's appearance exceeded the expectations of more fans, not only did he not show excellent scoring ability, extreme breakthrough and damage, but also greatly diluted Durant's possession on the offensive end, causing the superstar to be dissatisfied with the current situation of the team. However, combined with Bill's brilliant behavior, I'm afraid it's just for some gimmick. Facing the reinforced Timberwolves, Beal didn't bargain at all. Such a paddling operation cannot be recognized by the outside world, especially with a high salary of up to 47 million, and can only do some trivial work, which forces Suns general manager James Jones to take the initiative to seek roster upgrades in the offseason.
Although Beal has the right to veto transactions in his contract, it does not prevent management from closing the door in the trading market. According to BetOnline, if the Suns are interested in putting Beal on the shelf, the Los Angeles Lakers could be a potential next home. With the two defeats by Murray in the series, the Lakers' offseason situation is not optimistic, Pelinka needs to regain LeBron James by signing Bronny, in addition, Russell's poor performance is expected to prompt him to become a free agent and test the free market. At that time, the Lakers' guard line will face a huge test, and it will be difficult for any team to stand out just by relying on the rise of players such as Rivers and Ifino.
Referring to this year's draft rookies, the overall quality is average, and the success rate is even more indescribable, and there is even news that which general manager will win the champion lottery will have a class crisis, so it can be seen that the 2024 draft picks are worthless. The New Orleans Pelicans also made a choice to use the Lakers' 2025 first-round pick in return for trading thick eyebrows, which in turn gave Pelinka more respite. Once the draft begins, the Lakers can use the 2024 and 2029 first-round picks and the 2030 first-round pick as an important bargaining chip to bring in the third scoring point. According to the American media: In addition to Bradley Beal, the Lakers would prefer to get Trae Young.
The All-Star guard's performance is still very explosive, but his performance at key moments and his ability to lead the team are far inferior to teammate Dejounte Murray, and the general manager of the Hawks will decide whether to stay in the backcourt in the offseason, such a turbulent situation will undoubtedly create more suitable opportunities for the Lakers. Once Trae Young is helped, James' desire to stay on the team will be even stronger, and at that time, the new Big Three lineup is expected to challenge for the championship.