Jan 8, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and guard Bradley Beal (3) and forward Kevin Durant (35) stands on the floor during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Phoenix Suns Make Big Starting Lineup Change vs Bulls

Originally posted on Chicago Bulls on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Feb 22, 2025 4:51 PM ET

The Phoenix Suns are arguably the most desperate team in the NBA today.

Phoenix is currently on a four-game losing streak, is three games under .500, and has the highest payroll in the NBA. With a salary of $220,708,856, it's unacceptable for the Suns to not even make the playoffs with a team containing Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.

The Suns tried to fix their issues by moving Bradley Beal to become a sixth man off of the bench, but it looks like they're walking back on that decision.

Phoenix revealed on Saturday that they re-inserted Beal back into the starting lineup to play alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. The team removed Tyus Jones from the starting lineup.

Today's Starting Five. pic.twitter.com/SZKUwgex71
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 22, 2025

Beal has not started for the Suns since January 6. Through 38 games this season, Beal has averaged 17.4 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds on 50/40/82 shooting from the field. Beal is currently making $50 million this season and having him come off of the bench is a complete failure in roster construction.

The weirdest part or moment coming off the bench for Bradley Beal?

"Every moment. But again, I'm not gonna be a distraction, I'm not gonna be an asshole, I'm not gonna be unprofessional….I always take pride in my game. In who I am, in what I do. This is no different. I guess… pic.twitter.com/EtNN5kQ3zI
— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) January 10, 2025

Phoenix's four-game losing streak is against the Portland Trail Blazers twice, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and a San Antonio Spurs team without Victor Wembanyama. Three of their four losses are against teams with losing records that aren't even in the play-in tournament.

The Phoenix Suns face off against the Chicago Bulls at 5:00 p.m. EST on Saturday.

This article first appeared on Chicago Bulls on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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