Warriors or Suns for Western Conference Resurgence?

Although the Golden State Warriors failed to make the postseason, they have an NBA championship in 2022 to motivate them. However, the Phoenix Suns only have hype and a lofty price tag from trading for Bradley Beal. On the heels of losing in humiliating fashion to the Minnesota Timberwolves, will Kevin Durant and Devin Booker lead their team to an improved season, or will the motivated Warriors lap them in the race?

While Booker showcased point guard potential in the previous season, such an effort didn't amount to much in the long run. Furthermore, the Olympics alluded to Booker as an off-ball threat. Needing a pass-first point guard, the Suns signed Tyus Jones at the ultimate bargain.

Despite being one of the few efficient point guards in free agency, Jones took lees to play for a "winner" in the Suns, as he signed for the veteran minimum. Having Durant and Booker will inspire players to play for less money, but the Suns desperately need such an advantage in light of their salary cap situation.

Matt Ishbia, the Suns team governor, will pay a $197.3 million tax bill for the 2024-25 season. Aside from the horror of a contract, Beal's injuries hindered the Suns' ability to gain traction during the regular season.

Meanwhile, the Warriors' primary source of grief came from Draymond Green's costly on-court actions. The Warriors won 46 games despite Green playing only 55 games.

To put the Suns and Warriors' competitive distance in perspective, the former team won only three more games than the latter.

Related: Who Closed the Window in Golden State?

Will Stephen Curry lead his star-less team to a playoff position, perhaps challenging the Sun's faulty start as a "super team," or will Booker and Durant recapture the Olympic momentum and channel it to avenge a disappointing 2024 postseason appearance?