PHOENIX — It is no secret that the Phoenix Suns are in “win now” mode heading into the 2024-25 season, as huge stars and even greater luxurious tax funds presently exist for proprietor Matt Ishbia.
Not too long ago in The Ringtone On a tiered listing of the place groups are headed, Phoenix landed within the “aspect mirror” tier with the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves.
“Right here we discover a quartet of groups which are unquestionably determined to win the title: the defending champions, adopted by three believable contenders, all led by superstars, all firmly dedicated (financially and in any other case) to successful the 2025 title. However should you look extra carefully, the image will get somewhat muddled,” writes Howard Beck.
After exploring the Celtics, Beck dove into the Suns:
“The Suns and Timberwolves made huge, dangerous, all-in bets — Phoenix on Durant and Beal, Minnesota on Rudy Gobert — sacrificing draft picks and salary-cap flexibility for years to come back. One can quibble in regards to the knowledge of these strikes, however not in regards to the readability of their intentions. There are, nonetheless, some caveats about each groups.
“New Suns proprietor Mat Ishbia has gone on a spending spree to microwave a contender, with little thought given to Durant’s age (quickly to be 36) and well being, Beal’s contract and harm historical past, or tips on how to fill out the rotation below the second deck. It appears much less like a plan of conviction than an impulsive one — and one with an imminent expiration date.”
The Suns themselves have been dealing with these championship expectations since their run to the 2021 NBA Finals.
Will destiny be completely different with Mike Budenholzer on the helm?
