Grayson Allen was sent to the Suns as part of the Damian Lillard trade. Ahead of the new season, Allen signed a four-year, $70 million contract extension. This season, he has been a solid role player for the Suns, averaging 10.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 39.4% from the field, 35.4% from beyond the arc, and 78.8% from the free-throw line.
While Allen is playing decently, the Suns could land a stronger player for the same price point. The Suns are in a very tricky position with the current salary cap rules, so they will have to be creative with any trades. As a second-apron team, the Suns are significantly restricted in what kind of moves they can make.
The Suns have started the season decently, with an 11-8 record, and hold the seventh seed in the Western Conference. Many of their losses have come in games where the Suns were missing Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, due to major injuries. But with the two stars now back in the fold, they should get back to winning games.
The Suns have to be considered one of the top contenders to win the NBA championship this season. With their big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, they have one of the most potent offenses in the entire league. And if all three players click and play at their highest levels, the Suns could be unstoppable.
However, the big issue for them has been their defense. The Suns were 13th in defensive rating of 113.7 last season. And this season, their defense has gotten worse, as they rank 20th in defensive rating with a score of 114.3. Their defense has to improve soon, and that could be one of the priorities as the Suns venture into the trade market.
Will the Suns win the NBA championship this season? They have to compete with a stacked Western Conference. And with teams like the Thunder, Warriors, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Mavericks, and even the Lakers, the Suns will have to be at the top of their game to try and compete and thrive in the Western Conference.
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