NBA: 4 Teams whose stock is trending upward, 5 whose is falling quickly

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 18: Kevin Durant #35 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 18, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Clippers 123-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) /

Phoenix Suns: Trending downward

Over the past 10 months, the Phoenix Suns have been one of the most active teams in the trade market. Dating back to last year’s NBA Trade Deadline, the Suns have completely reconstructed their team by acquiring Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, trading away Chris Paul, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, and Deandre Ayton.

The new-look Suns have struggled to find their footing this season, highlighted by Beal having yet to play one regular-season game for Phoenix.

While there’s hope that Beal can make his return and regular season debut for the Suns this week, there’s no question that missing the first two weeks of the year (at least) is certainly not an encouraging sign. We may not have seen the Suns at full strength but even then, they probably shouldn’t be struggling as much as they have this season. At 3-4, the Suns are anything but the overwhelming contender that many believed they’d be before the start of the season.

This is not to say that the Suns aren’t going to be that team at all this season but their start is far from encouraging. At least for now, the Suns have some proving to do. They may have the talent on paper but it’s hard to trust a team that has struggled so much to start the year.

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