Suns form new 'Big 3' with blockbuster trade

The Suns are adding the longtime Washington Wizards shooting guard to their core of Booker, Kevin Durant and Deandre Ayton.

According to a report by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the deal will likely include Chris Paul and Landry Shamet — who both have contracts that expire after next season — along with some second-round picks and first-round pick swaps.

Phoenix will have four players on max contracts, assuming Ayton stays out. That’s going to be expensive for new owner Mat Ishbia and the Suns will be limited in adding around their Big 3 apart from players on minimum deals.

It’s the third time Durant has surrounded himself with stars. He won two championships with the Golden State Warriors, but his short-lived Big Three in Brooklyn fell apart due to Kyrie Irving’s unavailability and James Harden’s discontent.

On the other side, the Wizards are finally moving on from Beal and going into a full-throttle rebuild. They will likely try to re-route Paul to a contender or even buy him out. The Wizards have to make decisions on Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis, but it’s probable the team will be tanking in 2023-24. 

Why Phoenix? It’s because the Wizards gave Beal an ill-advised no-trade clause in addition to his supermax extension, which meant he was able to choose his destination. Reportedly, Suns players lobbied Beal directly in an intense recruitment effort.

The Suns are going all-in. And even Booker can’t deny they’re a super-team, now.