Phoenix may have exceeded expectations this season, but salary-cap specialist Yossi Gozlan believes the franchise should contemplate a full reset—one that could include moving All-Star guard Devin Booker for a haul of draft picks.
In an analysis published by Third Apron, Gozlan wrote that the Suns’ current group appears close to its ceiling despite winning 45 games and entering the playoffs as the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed. The long-term outlook, he argued, is clouded by a challenging cap picture and limited trade assets.
The tight finances are compounded by substantial “dead money” tied to Bradley Beal’s contract, leaving the front office with little room to maneuver. Gozlan noted Phoenix might have to cut salary just to stay out of the luxury tax while attempting to retain its own free agents.
Although Gozlan acknowledged the organization is unlikely to part with Booker—or with veterans such as Dillon Brooks—he pointed out that their market value could be peaking. Trading Booker, he added, would immediately ease cap pressure and replenish the team’s draft coffers.
Source: Hoops Wire
