NBA
The Phoenix Suns traded Cameron Payne in a three-team deal to acquire Orlando’s Bol Bol
Zach Wolpin is an NBA and NFL expert who's been betting on the league for over three years now. Wolpin has been a fan of the NBA and has been watching for a decade and a half. He covers the latest news and stories surrounding the league daily. His passion in life is watching sports and being able to share that through his sports writing. He has written about the NBA and other sports leagues through various media outlets over the years like Sir Charles In Charge, G-Men HQ, and TAP into South Plainfield. Before he became an NBA News Writer, Wolpin attended Montclair State University where he graduated in 2021. He studied Sports Media and Writing while in school.
All posts by Zach WolpinUpdated17 Jul 2023
A week ago, NBA insiders reported that the Phoenix Suns were “frontrunners” to sign Bol Bol. Phoenix has been one of the most active teams this offseason and is serious about upgrading the roster. As of yesterday, the Suns were involved in a three-team trade. They sent Cameron Payne to the Spurs and acquired Bol Bol from the Orlando Magic.
Along with Payne, the Spurs also got a second-round pick in the deal from the Suns. The Magic sent the Suns three future second-round picks for a 2026 first-round pick swap. All of the details were first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Suns have made a concerted effort to add more draft picks with how many picks they already owe in the future. Phoenix is serious about cashing in on the championship window they think they currently have. Adding Bol Bol to the roster was one way to do that.
ESPN story on the Suns landing free agent Bol Bol, trading Cam Payne and securing three more second-round draft picks https://t.co/XfAjTT3gA8
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 16, 2023
A three-team deal sent Cameron Payne to the Spurs and Bol Bol to the Phoenix Suns
At seven-foot-two, Bol Bol is still one of the most intriguing talents in the NBA. The 2022-23 season was his best statistical year since his rookie year in 2019-20. He played his first three seasons with the Nuggets and was on the Magic last season.
In 70 games played with 33 starts in 2022-23, Bol averaged a career-high (9.1) points, (5.8) rebounds, and (1.2) blocks. His (21.6) minutes per game last season was also the most of his career. Bol’s one season with the Magic proved that he’s capable of an expanded role.
Suns’ head coach Frank Vogel could add Bol Bol to the starting lineup next season if he meets their expectations during training camp. Bol’s 33 games started last season were the most ever in his career. Even if he doesn’t start, Bol can still be effective off the bench like he was for the Magic. His estimated $2.1 million contract is fully guaranteed for next season.
