Imago
Image credits – Imago
Imago
Image credits – Imago
Despite holding interesting pieces in their roster, the Phoenix franchises have a lot to worry about. Starting with the Suns, the team built the Big 3 with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. They don’t seem to be moving any mountain and they also have an imposing threat staring into their faces right now. Despite having Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi, the Mercury also continues to suffer. However, amidst the iffy speculations about respective front offices, the teams found a reason to pull their socks up.
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The Mercury’s veteran star Diana Taurasi addressed the press and spoke about the Paris Olympics roster selection. The 42-year-old guard said, “It’s going to be awesome to see KD and Book there… It’s such a cool feeling for BG (Griner) and Kaai (Kahleah Copper). It’s so nice to go with teammates… That gives our team an advantage where we already have chemistry.” USA Basketball announced a 12-women squad for the Olympics with stars from across the WNBA. 3 from the Mercury side also made their way roster. As the team has had a hot and cool run in the current season with a 6-6 record, the upcoming union for national duty has shot up the team’s morale.
Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi on how special it is to have her, Brittney Griner, Kahleah Copper, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant all representing Phoenix while playing for Team USA at the Olympics. #WNBA #ValleyTogether pic.twitter.com/GGG5fzQU4h
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) June 11, 2024
At the same time, the USA men’s team also has two stars from the Suns, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. After an embarrassing 0-4 exit in the first round, the Valley Side has something to celebrate. While both teams find a reason to keep their heads up, one might look back to the blunders that Mat Ishbia, the Phoenix owner, has committed. Speaking of the women’s side, the trades ahead of the season made them the 2nd-oldest team in the WNBA. They traded in Natasha Cloud (32) and Kahleah Copper (29). Even though the duo brings a lot to the table, the question falls on the roster’s longevity as they didn’t have any 1st-round picks heading into a highly talented draft!
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Kevin Durant & Co. suffer in silence
Heading into the 2024 0ff-season, Mat Ishbia’s team has an imposing Kevin Durant situation. A report earlier revealed that KD went at least a month without speaking to the coach. With one of their superstars upset, the team needs to pull their socks up. They are in dire need of filling the roster with young talent to support a Championship cause. But at the same time, they don’t have the resources to pull it off. On top of it, from next year, the team has to pay $150 million to KD and Bradley Beal, a financial crumble!
The team doesn’t have the luxury of aggregate salary availability, or mid-level exceptions. The only viable option seems to be trading out Durant. The team has already crossed the second apron and the team now cannot sign a player on free agency. It has cut down the team’s options to fix their rim protector role. While the team had already missed their opportunity to rope in Myles Turner two years ago during Monty Williams’ reign, they seemed to have dug a huge grave for themselves.
Will the Phoenix franchises turn it around despite the blunders? Let us know in the comments.
Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, this video
Written by
Edited by
Daniel D'Cruz