In the biggest Woj Bomb of all, Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN’s senior NBA insider, announced this morning that he is retiring from journalism to become general manager of the men’s basketball team at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure.
An all-time media legend, Wojnarowski has broken some of the most historic news in NBA history, covering some of the most legendary transactions, signings and draft picks in Phoenix Suns history. If you didn’t have notifications on his tweets, you may have missed some earth-shattering moments.
Here are some of his best Phoenix revelations as a reporter.
#1: Kevin Durant moves to the Phoenix Suns
BREAKING NEWS: The Phoenix Suns are close to making a blockbuster trade to land Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant, sources tell ESPN. Durant wanted to join the Suns and new owner Mat Ishbia is pushing to get the deal done tonight.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
This has to be number one.
On Mat Ishbia’s first day as governor, the Valley made one of the biggest trades in NBA history, trading for the Slim Reaper. The Suns paid a historic deal to get the multiple Finals MVP from the Brooklyn Nets. It was the beginning of a new era in Phoenix.
#2: Chris Paul moves to the Phoenix Suns
According to sources, the Phoenix Suns are finalizing a deal to sign Chris Paul, the All-Star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) 16 November 2020
Paul helped the Suns return to the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons and led them to their first NBA Finals appearance in nearly 30 years. As a member of the Phoenix Suns, he made multiple All-NBA appearances and two All-Star games and led the team to a franchise-best 64 wins during the 2021-2022 season.
#3: Uh…Which Brooks?
The deal is suddenly in jeopardy. Memphis and Phoenix have not discussed the trade directly and have used Washington as an intermediary in coordinating the three-way deal, sources say. @ZachLowe_NBA and I. The Grizzlies believe they traded MarShon, but the Suns somehow believed it was Dillon.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) 15 December 2018
In an all-time fiasco, the Suns thought they were trading Dillon Brooks when they actually traded Marshon Brooks. The mix-up was a hilarious mistake by the Valley, and the allure of the deal still exists.
#4: The Phoenix Suns draft Devin Booker
The Phoenix Suns will select Devin Booker with the No. 13 pick in the NBA draft, a league source told Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) 26 June 2015
Booker is arguably the best player in franchise history and has taken the Suns to places unimaginable before his tenure in the Valley. This season, he will likely become the team’s all-time leading scorer and his impact on the city of Phoenix goes beyond basketball.
#5: Bradley Beal traded to the Phoenix Suns
Washington and Phoenix completed the Bradley Beal trade, giving the Wizards six second-round draft picks and four first-round pick swaps, sources tell ESPN. The Suns are sending second-round picks in 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2030. Pick swaps in 2024, 2026, 2028 and 2030.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) 22 June 2023
Despite the announcement of the new, restrictive CBA, the Phoenix Suns have continued to push hard to build a championship roster by signing Bradley Beal to his max contract. Beal struggled at times in his first season with the Suns, but the Valley still has its championship core intact and appears to be a more balanced, cohesive team this season.
Enjoy your retirement, Woj. We will miss your Woj Bombs.
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