Lake Show Life
Fansided

3 Suns free agents the Lakers should steal after huge Bradley Beal trade

By Jason Reed

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 09: Darius Bazley #55 of the Phoenix Suns dunks over Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of the game at Footprint Center on April 09, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 09: Darius Bazley #55 of the Phoenix Suns dunks over Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of the game at Footprint Center on April 09, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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The Pheonix Suns made the first massive move of the offseason on Father’s Day, trading Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and an assortment of draft capital to the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal. When the trade first happened, there was hope that it would lead Paul directly to the Los Angeles Lakers.

While it is still possible, Chris Haynes reported that the Wizards may look to reroute Paul via trade (not buy him out) and that the Los Angeles Clippers are expected to pursue a trade. As solid as Paul would be, trading for him does not make sense for the Lake Show.

However, the Lakers could still benefit from this trade and the Suns’ financial situation. Phoenix essentially has to fill out the rest of the roster with veteran minimums (and whatever the team can get for Deandre Ayton). Thus, any free agent that is worth anything over the minimum is going to likely leave the Suns.

Suns free agents the Lakers should sign after Bradley Beal trade:

3. Darius Bazley

Darius Bazley is a restricted free agent and quite frankly, he is not worth much more than the minimum as is. However, he hardly got playing time while he was with the Suns last season and the team might look to use that roster spot elsewhere.

So why even bother signing Bazley? There is potential in his game and this would be a bet by the Lakers that they could maximize the foundation that he has shown. At the very least, he is a frontcourt player that can space the floor (shooting 37.7% from three last season). That is something to build on.

Bazley is only 23 years old and more importantly, is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. That got Juan Toscano-Anderson and Troy Brown Jr. in the building last offseason. It could do the same for Bazley.

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