Phoenix Suns new starting lineup: $251 million star Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic removed according to insider

Phoenix Suns haven't lit up the charts with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker playing alongside Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic.

Phoenix Suns new starting lineup: $251 million star Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic removed according to insider

Phoenix Suns move Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic out of starting lineup

As soon as billionaire Mat Ishbia took over the Phoenix Suns, he made it clear he was not going to wait long for the franchise to win an NBA title. He worked with his front office to trade for superstar Kevin Durant and in the next offseason, brought in Bradley Beal to help that dream come true.

The plan saw some hiccups show right away as Bradley Beal struggled with injuries and took a long time to return to the lineup. Once he did, there was an evident lack of chemistry. That showed its ugly side when the Suns were swept in the first round of the playoffs.

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Out went Frank Vogel and in came another championship-winning head coach in Mike Budenholzer. They started off well and their 9-2 record helped them to the top half of the tightly contested West. It seemed the Suns were going to defy the odds.

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But since then, a 6-16 run has seen them plummet down and out of the playoff spots. With more than a quarter of the season over, the team has finally decided to make some adjustments to their lineup. NBA Insider Chris Haynes revealed this on his X account.

Bradley and Jusuf Nurkic will be removed from the starting lineup starting Monday at Philadelphia. In their place would be starting, rookie Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee.

Chris Haynes said

That means, starting from their next game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic will come off the bench. It is a significant move for the Suns as they look to change things before it was too late.

Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic benching due to Suns unrest

Bradley Beal’s $254 million contract may not suit a bench role. Neither will Jusuf Nurkic and his $70 million contract. However, Chris Haynes received further details on what pushed Mike Budenholzer to change things up.

There is also tension in that locker room. I’m told certain players are unsure of their roles and being frustrated with how they are being used, and the coaching staff is still trying to figure things out.

Chris Haynes said

Haynes added that this situation is something he will monitor as any news of locker room unrest means the Phoenix Suns are bound to suffer. If the changes were made after the unrest, it could be that Budenholzer is trying to give the players what they need.

Beal’s performances have not particularly contributed to their wins. On top of that, his ball dominating game does not mesh well with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Jusuf Nurkic has also not been good enough as his antics over the past two seasons have overshadowed his production.

Mason Plumlee is a solid center who will go about his work with no qualms. Rookie Ryan Dunn has been a revelation, and his playmaking will benefit both their leading superstars. Hopefully, this works out for them, and they start climbing back in the West.