Suns expected to release Keon Johnson, Ish Wainwright

Keon Johnson’s Potential Impact on the Suns
The Phoenix Suns are expected to release Keon Johnson and Ish Wainwright in the coming days, a move that has surprised many fans and analysts. Johnson, a highly touted rookie out of Tennessee, was seen as a potential impact player for the Suns this season. However, after a lackluster performance in the preseason, it seems that the team has decided to part ways with the young guard.
Johnson’s potential impact on the Suns was a topic of much discussion leading up to the start of the season. Many believed that his athleticism and defensive prowess could provide a much-needed boost to the team’s backcourt. However, Johnson struggled to find his footing in the NBA, shooting just 30% from the field and 20% from three-point range in the preseason.
Despite his struggles, Johnson showed flashes of potential that had fans excited about his future with the team. His ability to get to the rim and finish through contact was on full display at times, showcasing the scoring ability that made him a lottery pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. However, his inconsistency and lack of shooting touch ultimately led to the decision to release him.
In addition to Johnson, the Suns are also expected to part ways with Ish Wainwright, a veteran forward who was signed to a training camp deal. Wainwright, who has bounced around the league in recent years, was seen as a potential depth piece for the Suns’ frontcourt. However, with the emergence of younger players like Jalen Smith and Taurean Prince, Wainwright became expendable.
The decision to release Johnson and Wainwright is a tough one for the Suns, as both players showed promise during their time with the team. However, in a league as competitive as the NBA, tough decisions must be made in order to field the best possible roster. With the regular season just around the corner, the Suns are looking to solidify their rotation and make a push for the playoffs.
Moving forward, the Suns will need to rely on their core group of players to carry the load. With stars like Devin Booker and Chris Paul leading the way, the team has a solid foundation to build upon. Role players like Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton will also play key roles in the team’s success this season.
While the release of Johnson and Wainwright may come as a disappointment to some fans, it is important to trust in the decision-making of the Suns’ front office. The team has shown a commitment to building a winning culture, and sometimes that means making tough decisions in order to move forward.
As the Suns prepare for the start of the regular season, they will need to focus on coming together as a team and playing to their strengths. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff led by Monty Williams, the Suns have the potential to make some noise in the Western Conference this season. While the release of Johnson and Wainwright may be a setback, it is important for the team to stay focused on their ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship.
Ish Wainwright’s Role in the Suns’ Rotation
The Phoenix Suns are making some tough decisions as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. One of the moves that has been widely speculated is the release of Keon Johnson and Ish Wainwright. While Johnson is a promising young talent, it seems that the Suns have decided to part ways with him in order to make room for other players on the roster. Wainwright, on the other hand, has been a key contributor to the team’s success in recent years, so his potential release comes as a bit of a surprise to many fans.
Ish Wainwright has been a valuable player for the Suns, providing solid defense and energy off the bench. His versatility on both ends of the court has made him a valuable asset to the team, and his leadership in the locker room has been praised by coaches and teammates alike. However, with the Suns looking to make some changes to their roster, it seems that Wainwright’s time in Phoenix may be coming to an end.
Despite his contributions to the team, Wainwright’s role in the Suns’ rotation has been a topic of debate among fans and analysts. Some believe that he should be given more playing time, while others argue that his minutes should be reduced in favor of younger, more promising players. With the Suns looking to compete for a championship this season, the coaching staff will have to carefully consider how to best utilize Wainwright’s skills and experience.
One of the main reasons why the Suns may be considering releasing Wainwright is his age. At 28 years old, he is one of the older players on the team, and the front office may be looking to get younger and more athletic at his position. While Wainwright has shown that he can still contribute at a high level, the Suns may feel that they need to make room for younger players who have more potential for growth and development.
Another factor that may be influencing the Suns’ decision to release Wainwright is his contract. With the team looking to free up cap space for potential trades or free agent signings, Wainwright’s salary may be seen as expendable. While he has been a valuable player for the team, his contract may be too expensive for the Suns to justify keeping him on the roster.
Ultimately, the decision to release Wainwright will come down to what is best for the team’s long-term success. While he has been a key contributor in recent years, the Suns may feel that they need to make some tough decisions in order to improve their chances of winning a championship. Whether Wainwright is ultimately released or not, his impact on the team will not be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as a valuable member of the Phoenix Suns organization.
How the Suns’ Roster Depth Will Be Affected by Releasing Johnson and Wainwright
The Phoenix Suns are making some tough decisions as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. It has been reported that the team is expected to release Keon Johnson and Ish Wainwright, two promising young players who were hoping to make an impact on the roster. This move will undoubtedly have an impact on the Suns’ roster depth and could potentially change the dynamics of the team moving forward.
Keon Johnson, a highly touted prospect out of Tennessee, was selected by the Suns with the 29th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Known for his athleticism and defensive prowess, Johnson was seen as a player with a lot of potential to develop into a key contributor for the Suns. However, it seems that the team has decided to part ways with him, likely due to a crowded backcourt and the need to make room for other players on the roster.
Ish Wainwright, on the other hand, was a bit of a surprise addition to the Suns’ roster. The undrafted free agent out of Baylor impressed the coaching staff during the team’s summer league games and earned himself a spot on the training camp roster. Wainwright’s versatility and defensive abilities were seen as valuable assets for the team, but it appears that the Suns have decided to go in a different direction.
The decision to release Johnson and Wainwright will undoubtedly impact the Suns’ roster depth, particularly in the backcourt. With Johnson’s departure, the team will have to rely on other guards to step up and fill the void left by his absence. This could mean more playing time for players like Cameron Payne, Elfrid Payton, and E’Twaun Moore, who will need to elevate their games to make up for the loss of Johnson’s potential contributions.
Similarly, Wainwright’s release will leave a hole in the Suns’ wing rotation. His defensive abilities and versatility would have been valuable assets for the team, especially in matchups against teams with strong perimeter players. The Suns will now have to look to other players to step up and provide the same level of defensive intensity that Wainwright brought to the table.
Despite the impact of releasing Johnson and Wainwright, the Suns are confident in their ability to adapt and overcome these changes. Head coach Monty Williams and his staff have a proven track record of developing young talent and maximizing the potential of their players. The team’s depth and versatility will be put to the test as they look to fill the void left by Johnson and Wainwright’s departures.
In the end, the Suns’ decision to release Keon Johnson and Ish Wainwright is a tough but necessary move as they look to build a roster that can compete for a championship. While their departures will undoubtedly have an impact on the team’s depth, the Suns are confident in their ability to overcome these challenges and continue their pursuit of greatness in the upcoming NBA season.