The Phoenix Suns have undergone a busy offseason so far with several moves made through trades, free agency and the draft, and they recently got an above-average grade from The Athletic.
Doug Haller gave the Suns a B for the offseason moves they’ve made so far. The Suns’ offseason has been highlighted by the re-signings of Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin and Mark Williams; the acquisition of forward Miles Bridges in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets; and the signing of guard Luke Kennard in free agency. Phoenix also traded up into the first round of the NBA draft to select Arizona forward Koa Peat.
Haller praised the Suns’ re-signings and additions of Bridges and Kennard and noted that, if healthy, the Suns could make a move up in the Western Conference.
GM Brian Gregory did what fans should expect — he improved the team. He re-signed Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin and big man Mark Williams. Gillespie last season was among the league’s more improved guards, and only those who watch Phoenix regularly can appreciate the Goodwin deal (three years, $19 million). Gregory bolstered the frontcourt with the trade for Miles Bridges (although including a 2033 unprotected first-round draft pick may sting later) and signed a shooter in Luke Kennard. Provided they stay healthy, the Suns could jump a couple of spots in the West.
Despite giving the Suns a B, Haller noted that Bridges’ off-the-court history raises major questions about how he will fit into the Suns’ culture.
Only thing left to do: Explain to fans how Bridges, who in 2022 pleaded no contest to a felony domestic violence charge, fits into the culture you have talked about so often. Not everyone is happy.
The Suns will be looking to build on last season, in which they finished 45-37 in the regular season and clinched a playoff berth after beating the Golden State Warriors in an NBA Play-In elimination game. Entering the postseason as a No. 8 seed, Phoenix was swept by the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.