SUMMARY
- The Phoenix Suns are preparing to conduct a workout with Bronny James ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft.
- The Suns could attract LeBron James to the valley if they draft Bronny this year.
Multiple reports have claimed that the Phoenix Suns have shown great interest in acquiring Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft. Technically, he’s a lot of what the Suns need to add to their roster to acquire some depth. He’s a great defender, can shoot 3s consistently, and has some playmaking ability. While people have only criticized his credibility having played only half a season in college, there is a lot of potential in his game that can be unveiled over time.
The Phoenix Suns are set to work out USC Guard Bronny James ahead of the NBA Draft. (H/T @ShamsCharania)
Do you think they’re interested in him as a prospect or him as a chance to land his dad? pic.twitter.com/tL8APM7OHI
— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) May 24, 2024
However, acquiring the 19-year-old may actually be an attempt to lure LeBron James to Arizona. One of the Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest dreams is to play alongside Bronny, his eldest son before he retires. And considering his history with General Manager James Jones, and his desperation to play for a title contender, joining Phoenix would be a perfect scenario. But there are a few drawbacks if it were ever to happen.
LeBron James’ presence in Phoenix Suns will stunt Devin Booker’s growth
The Phoenix Suns already have three superstars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. The organization has already expressed that they do not plan on destroying the Big 3. However, bringing the 4x NBA Champion could be a problem for Devin Booker. The 27-year-old is still more or less the frontman of the Suns group right now. Over the years, he has proven that he wants to be a franchise type of player, somewhat like James already is to Cleveland or Miami.
The Suns are hoping to pursue LeBron James this offseason, which is why Bronny James is a very serious draft option at No. 22 overall to potentially lure him in.
Phoenix appears to believe they can convince LeBron to join forces with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal… pic.twitter.com/a2HxEA8q2F
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 26, 2024
Bringing in a fourth star like James would inevitably bring the Suns their first championship ever. But it will stunt Booker’s growth and remove him from the limelight and away from where he deserves to be. Booker has the potential of booming an all-time great as well. But winning a title under James would put him in a situation similar to what Durant had to face after winning two titles in the Bay Area with Stephen Curry. Additionally, this issue would worsen in Durant’s case as well.
The Suns acquiring LeBron James has a few benefits
Acquiring LeBron James would be a cheat code to bring the Suns a title. The 39-year-old still performs like he’s in his prime averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Not only will he be a huge boost offensively, but he will also provide himself as a lead facilitator. James knows how to play from positions one through five and he will produce consistent numbers.
What the Suns do require is a top-tier paint guard. James is very capable of putting up between 8 to 10 assists per game, just like how Chris Paul did when the Suns made the NBA Finals in 2021. Phoenix struggled with the Big 3 trying to create their own shots throughout the first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Unfortunately, there are defensively heavy teams that can stop the Suns easily, and a point guard would fix a lot of their problems.