NBA: Moves that West playoff teams need to make to take a step forward

Phoenix Suns: Don’t get cheap

After going up 2-0 against the Bucks and looking dominant, the Phoenix Suns collapsed and lost four straight to lose the NBA Finals. What happened? They couldn’t contain the Greek Freak.

In the past, general managers under owner Robert Sarver have made moves to acquire cash. In 2004, they traded the No. 7 overall pick for a future first-round pick and $3 million cash, in a move unheard of today. That pick became All-Star Luol Deng.

To be fair, that was 17 years ago Sarver had just recently bought the team. However, it happened once again in 2019, when the Suns traded TJ Warren and a second-round pick for cash considerations. At the time, TJ Warren was Phoenix’s second-leading scorer at 25 years old, on a cheap deal just under $12 million, and looked to be part of a rebuilding team’s future in the Valley.

Now, with a competitive roster again, the Suns absolutely cannot afford to cut corners. Chris Paul has expressed his desire to opt-out of his current contract and become a free agent, walking away from a guaranteed $44 million.

The Phoenix Suns organization must pay a premium to re-sign Chris Paul this offseason, even at 36 years old, or they will kiss their championship hopes goodbye. Furthermore, if history repeats itself and Phoenix decides to ship off key pieces for cash, it will make their quest to win a title that much harder.