The Phoenix Suns may be done expanding their current roster, but that doesn’t stop them from expanding in other areas.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to The Athletic‘s Shams Charania, Phoenix is looking into potentially bringing their own G League team back to Phoenix.
The Phoenix Suns are working toward launching a new G League team as soon as the 2024-25 season, meaning all 30 NBA organizations will have G League affiliates.
Story at @TheAthletic, including statement from owner Mat Ishbia: https://t.co/h07J1KRREv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2023
Suns owner Matt Ishbia has been aggressive and consistent in his determination to reshape the Suns culture. After the public turmoil that soured over from former owner Robert Sarver, Ishbia is posing a different change.
“Bringing a G League team to the Valley has been a priority for us, and I am excited that we have begun the process and the wheels are in motion to have a team in Phoenix as early as the 2024-25 season,” said Mat Ishbia to The Athletic in a statement. “Not only will this allow us to develop young players within our winning culture, but also will serve as an opportunity to expand our reach and connect with even more basketball fans across the region.”
Phoenix previously owned a G League team, the Northern Arizona Suns, which was sold ultimately to the Detroit Pistons in 2020.
Bringing in another G League affiliate gives the Suns the ability to develop talent. Phoenix currently has a stacked roster filled with superstars and capable role players after an aggressive start to the offseason.
Still, injuries are an unfortunate portion of the game. With that, having a first-hand role in capable players on two-way deals will benefit Phoenix in the long run.
No deal for a G League team is imminent at the moment, but history shows that Phoenix could benefit from such a deal. Guard Saben Lee is returning on another two-way deal after flashes of improvement last year.
For now, the primary focus for Phoenix will be delivering a title with a win-now, star-studded roster. The Suns went big on delivering Bradley Beal to kick things off.
Afterwards, adding support pieces such as Eric Gordon, Yuta Watanabe and bringing back Damion Lee continued that trend. The Suns also recently signed center Bol Bol to a one-year deal as well.
Also, for all the picks the Suns may have dished out in the Beal trade, they were able to recoup their assets. Phoenix acquired four second-round picks in multiple deals afterwards.
