2025-26 NBA Guide-Phoenix Suns

The End of the Kevin Durant Era

It’s no exaggeration to say that the 2024–25 season was the most disappointing in the entire NBA. No team embodied that failure more than the Phoenix Suns. With the league’s highest payroll and a star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, expectations were sky-high. The goal was simple: championship or bust. But reality turned out to be far from that dream.

Phoenix brought in head coach Mike Budenholzer to restore order and find chemistry among their three offensive stars, who were entering their second season together. Early on, things looked promising! The Suns started 9–2, but a midseason injury to Durant derailed everything. Even after his return, the team never regained rhythm or confidence.

By February, they hovered around .500, but internal issues began to spill into public view. Reports of locker-room conflicts and friction between Budenholzer and players grew louder. Then came the breaking point- trade deadline rumors that the Suns were willing to deal anyone except Booker. From that moment, the team spiraled, posting an 11–24 record the rest of the way and finishing the season at 36–46, missing even the Play-In Tournament.

Despite the disappointing results, the mood around the organization was even worse, and a major reset became inevitable.

Offseason Moves and Analysis

Given the circumstances, the Suns actually handled their offseason relatively well. The front office decided to fully embrace change, starting by trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. In return, Phoenix received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Khaman Maluach.

They also reached a buyout agreement with Bradley Beal, freeing up significant cap space, and moved on from Tyus Jones, Vasilije Micić, Mason Plumlee, Tyty Washington, and Cody Martin.

To fill the void at center, the Suns acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets- a young, athletic rim protector expected to start immediately.

The biggest headline, however, came from their franchise cornerstone. Devin Booker signed a massive contract extension worth over $70 million per season, reaffirming his commitment to Phoenix.

Goals and Expectations from 2025-26

The upcoming season may not bring a dramatic turnaround in the win-loss column, but it should offer something that’s been missing for years- renewed energy and direction.

Phoenix’s roster is younger, hungrier, and better balanced. Jalen Green enters with something to prove after a rocky end to his Rockets tenure, while Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams bring defensive grit and toughness. These are the two qualities the Suns have lacked in recent years. Booker will now lead without the shadow of other superstars, setting the tone both on and off the court.

The Play-In Tournament will likely be the realistic goal, but even if they fall short, progress in team chemistry, defense, and effort will be a win in itself. New head coach Jordan Ott has a chance to establish a fresh identity and restore the culture from the ground up.

Player to Watch: Jalen Green

After four seasons with the Houston Rockets, Jalen Green joins Phoenix looking to redeem his reputation. He’s coming off his best statistical season at 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. In addition, he is also showing growth in efficiency and defensive engagement.

However, his disastrous playoff performance against the Golden State Warriors, where he was benched in key moments raised questions about his consistency and mentality. Expect Green to enter the season highly motivated to prove he belongs among the NBA’s young stars, not as another “what could have been.”

If he bounces back, it’ll be a massive boost for both the Suns and Devin Booker.

Focus on Defensive Intensity

For years, the Suns were known for their offensive firepower and for being just as lazy on defense. That imbalance finally caught up to them. Now, with a new-look roster and a revamped coaching staff, Phoenix has a golden opportunity to redefine its identity.

If the Suns can rediscover their defensive edge by contesting shots, forcing turnovers, and playing with real energy, they could surprise a lot of people. With Booker and Green handling the scoring load, all this team really needs is heart and hustle on the other end.

The Kevin Durant era may have ended in disappointment, but for the first time in a while, there’s genuine hope in the desert.