The NBA offseason is only a few days old, but the Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards have already turned a blockbuster trade.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Sunday that the Suns are trading 12-time All-Star Chris Paul to the Wizards for three-time All-Star guard Bradley Beal.
The Suns are reportedly also trading shooting guard Landry Shamet (8.7 points per game last season) and several second-round picks. The two teams will also swap multiple picks.
BREAKING: The Washington Wizards are trading three-time All-Star Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, a handful of second-round picks, and multiple pick swaps, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 18, 2023
The Suns had been trying to work out a deal with the Miami Heat for Beal in recent days, but talks fell through. The 29-year-old Beal, who has been hampered by injuries in recent years, averaged 23.2 points per game last season.
Paul, 38, had likewise been the subject of speculation about his future, with one recent report suggesting Phoenix would waive him. The NBA rumor mill reported a possible Paul trade to several different teams, although he told the Arizona Republic recently he wanted to remain in Phoenix.
The NBA world generally seemed to think the Suns got the better end of the deal, but not everyone agreed.
The Suns bench next season: pic.twitter.com/qMbgGNgP8U
— Playmaker Betting (@playmakerbet) June 18, 2023
If I was a Wizards fan, I’d vomit
— Marc C00lcer (33.3%) (@marccolcer) June 18, 2023
Love this move for everyone involved. Suns maintain their upward trajectory, Beal is finally on a contender, & the Wizards get a HOF PG plus benefits
— Chris Mahoney (Energy Guardian) ☘️ (@CJHurricane781) June 18, 2023
Durant is so good at forming super teams. Easiest road is the best road! That’s why he the goat! 🐐
🤡
— Code: AshBS (@AshClashYT) June 18, 2023
The Suns’ biggest issues were depth and defense. How does this solve either?
— Hardwood Hoops 🏀 (@HardwoodHooops) June 18, 2023
Bradley Brick
— BrickMuse (@BrickMuse) June 18, 2023
No wayyyy that’s not even a bad package for the suns to give up
— Jacob Lintner (@lintnermedia) June 18, 2023
Adam Sliver has to veto this trade its so bad the Wizards got finesse
— Hugo (@Staria_004) June 18, 2023
[Shams Charania, The Athletic]
