The Washington Wizards are finally — FINALLY — letting go of Bradley Beal, the superstar guard who has been a part of the struggling organization since they drafted him third overall in the 2012 NBA Draft.
The Phoenix Suns? They’re getting another superstar to add to a mix that includes Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and — for now — Deandre Ayton. The lack of depth is concerning, but on paper? This is a team that should contend in the West.
So who won the deal that had the internet buzzing on Sunday? Let’s throw in some grades for each team (you may want to look away, Wizards fans):
The details
Suns get: Bradley Beal and Jordan Goodwin
Wizards get: Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, “multiple” second-round picks and pick swaps
Washington Wizards
The deal deserves a bit of an INCOMPLETE grade because it sounds like they’ll turn right around and deal Paul to a contender (the Clippers?) so he can compete for that ever-elusive ring.
But, uh, even if they get back something decent for a past-his-prime seasoned vet with a giant contract, this is a disaster.
Shamet is a fine bench player. Maybe the pick swaps work out if the Suns fall well short in their mission to win it all, or if KD et al want out at some point. But … that’s it? No unprotected future picks? Couldn’t the Wizards have gotten a much better return from the Heat, if Miami was in it?
Worth noting: Beal has a no-trade clause and a massive deal of his own. This wasn’t going to be easy.
Still …
GRADE: D
Phoenix Suns
Maybe the fit ends up being a problem with too many players requiring the ball in their hands. But that’s a problem you can figure out with this group. When you can get three All-Stars together for next to nothing, you do it.
The depth and defense problem? That comes next and can be addressed through another trade. But you have to like it overall.
GRADE: B+
