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The biggest roster need for each of the Golden State Warriors’ pacific rivals

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands next to Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game one of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 02, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands next to Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game one of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 02, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 16, 2022. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 16, 2022. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Phoenix Suns – Reliable backup point-guard

The Suns made arguably the biggest move of the offseason to date, trading one of the best point-guards of all-time in Chris Paul (who eventually ended up with the Warriors), for a younger All-Star level combo guard who’s still very much a scorer first and foremost.

Adding Bradley Beal to Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton makes for an explosive and envious offensive quartet, yet the lack of a primary playmaker is still a hole Phoenix will need to fill heading towards next season.

They did have Cameron Payne under contract, but the 28-year-old’s 2022-23 season clearly left the front office unimpressed and with little doubt that he wasn’t the option to go with moving forward. After much speculation, the Suns ultimately dealt Payne to the San Antonio Spurs for minimal draft compensation on July 17.

Phoenix’s only primary point-guard on the roster is Jordan Goodwin, a player they received as part of the Beal-Paul transaction. That’s not much in the way of depth, even if it’s just for insurance in case of injury to Beal or Booker.

Between that duo and Durant, the Suns don’t need a high-level ball-handler. They do need a steady presence off the bench though, something that’s no longer readily available via free agency.

Next. What’s going on with Golden State Warriors’ veteran?. dark

Look for Phoenix to attack the trade market in search of a reliable backup point-guard, whether that be before the season or prior to February’s trade deadline. The most speculation to date has been around TJ McConnell, with Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fisher reporting last month that the Indiana Pacers’ guard was on the Suns radar.

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