The Phoenix Suns continued to have a busy offseason. The franchise traded point guard Cameron Payne to the San Antonio Spurs over the weekend while also agreeing to a deal with free-agent center Bol Bol.
The Suns are sending Payne and a future second-round pick to the Spurs in exchange for a future second-round pick. The franchise also made a deal with the Orlando Magic, surrendering first-round pick swap rights in 2026 for three second-round selections.
By trading Payne to the Spurs, Phoenix saved themselves $26.4 million in luxury tax while also getting a $6.5 million trade exception. The 28-year-old spent the past three years with the Suns, playing mostly as a backup for All-Star Chris Paul. He struggled with health issues in 2022-23, being limited to 48 games in which he averaged 10.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.
The expectation is that the newly-acquired All-Star guard Bradley Beal will take on the point guard duties for the Suns. The franchise is also willing to give third-year player Jordan Goodwin a chance to showcase his playmaking abilities.
Signing Bol Bol, on the other hand, gives Phoenix a ball-handling center that can step in when starter DeAndre Ayton is resting. Bol is coming off his best season in NBA, having averaged 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 70 games with the Orlando Magic last season.
