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Forbes
2 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
The Phoenix Suns Enter 2025-2026 With Loads Of Roster Questions
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 09: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the second ... More half of the NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at PHX Arena on April 09, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) As the Phoenix Suns have shaped their roster for the 2025-2026 season, questions linger about what exactly they're trying to achieve this year. Overabundance of wings As currently constructed, the five biggest earners on the team are either shooting guards or small forwards. Both positions often fall under the term wing, meaning that wings make up for over $134.8 million in salary, which is just under $20 million short of what the salary cap is ($154.6 million). Those five players (Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, and Royce O'Neale) are all 6'6 and under, meaning the Suns - again - will be short, and enormously reliant on perimeter production to win games. (It's also worth noting the above grouping is just of the most expensive players. The organization has even more wings further down on the roster.) Green, who was acquired in the Kevin Durant trade, has projected as a wonky fit next to Booker since the day the trade went down. Rumors persisted for weeks that Phoenix would flip the 23-year-old for something else, but nothing materialized. That doesn't mean the Suns are necessarily committed to Green for the long haul. Green, who signed a three-year extension with Houston, negotiated a player option for the third season, meaning Phoenix might not have oodles of time to figure out that situation. Green seems like he could be solid trade deadline fodder, especially if he plays well enough to justify the price tag of his $33.5 million salary this season. If a team out there is in need of offense, particularly from the off-guard spot, and find Green interesting due to his youth, and explosive scoring (20.1 points for his career), then Phoenix should certainly be listening. Odd roster balance Due to the aforementioned overabundance of wings, it goes without saying that the rest of the roster is off-balanced. The team doesn't have a high-quality point guard at their disposal, or at least anyone who's significantly tested, which makes for an odd fit given that the Suns seemingly are still trying to compete. They do carry three centers, Khaman Maluach, Nick Richards, and Mark Williams, all of whom are actually quite decent. At this stage, it appears as if the Suns are putting a substantial portion of their eggs in that basket of the three of them controlling the defense this season. It should be noted that the Suns have two wildcards - Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro - who were rookies last year. Dunn, another wing, could potentially outplay some of the team's more expensive options, especially if his three-point shot has taken another step up. As for Ighodaro, who is a 4/5 hybrid, he too could cement a place for himself in the rotation, thus offering the Suns quality at a lowered price point. The 23-year-old is highly intelligent out on the floor, moves the ball well, defends, and can incorporate himself into basically every rotation. Of course, relying on second-year players to break out isn't exactly a plan. It'd be a positive surprise more than anything, meaning the Suns can't bank on that. All-in-all, this roster seem primed for an in-season trade. Perhaps several. Because whatever this iteration of Suns basketball is, it doesn't really make a ton of sense. Unless noted otherwise, all stats via PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phoenix Suns' biggest mistake in 2025 NBA free agency
The post Phoenix Suns' biggest mistake in 2025 NBA free agency appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Phoenix Suns excelled in the NBA Draft and showcased strong summer league performances from their rookies and second-year players. However, there might be one area they didn't address in free agency that could be the difference maker. Although the Suns officially waived Bradley Beal, they could still use another guard: A point guard. That mantra was echoed last season, but it didn't truly come to fruition. Tyus Jones was effective and did his job, considering he was on a one-year, minimum-salary deal. Still, his lack of size and scoring punch made him nearly unplayable down the stretch of the season. Regardless of that move, another point guard could truly help unlock Devin Booker and Jalen Green. Both players are elite scorers, and unlike Beal and Booker, adding Green unlocks a new level of dynamic play. The former Houston Rockets guard plays above the rim and is one of the most explosive athletes in the league. Meanwhile, Booker's game is about finesse, timing, and truly being a master of his craft. That can unveil so many unique opportunities for both players to score effectively. The question that ponders, though. Could landing someone like Chris Paul or Malcolm Brogdon make that much of a difference? Short answer: yes. Paul's age is a lingering concern, along with Brogdon's injury history. Despite that, a team like the Suns with young players and two dynamic scorers could use a floor general. Chris Paul should run it back with the Suns Although Paul could re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, his time with the Suns was unforgettable. He unlocked a version of Booker that no one saw. He had some of the most efficient shooting percentages of his career. Not to mention, the aggressiveness was off the charts. Granted, that was a Chris Paul at age 35, 36, and 37. In that age-36 season, he led the league with 10.8 assists and helped Phoenix to a 64-18 record. Though they were ultimately eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in one of the most lopsided Game 7s in NBA history. Since then, he has gone to the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs. He played with two young teams, but didn't find much sustained success. Even though he would be 40 entering the 2025-26 season, he could find the fountain of youth, like he did in his first stint with the Suns. Malcolm Brogdon could benefit the Suns Much like how Paul could benefit Phoenix, Brogdon could do the same thing. After reports surfaced that Brogdon was heading to the Suns in prior seasons, he could sign with the team outright this year, as more reports have indicated that he could land in the Valley of the Sun. The veteran point guard has had a recent streak of being productive. For instance, he secured the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year award with the Boston Celtics. Also, his size and versatility can make him a useful option for the point guard spot. Having someone to simply be a gadget player could be what the Suns need. Finding someone to initiate the offense and let Booker and Green score the ball at a high level is key. Not to mention, rebounding, defense, and that veteran presence could corral the young guys into the new Suns culture. Not having a point guard would be a loss for the Suns This was a similar sentiment last season, and one that never came to fruition. Jones was not the answer, so why would Paul or Brogdon be? Having a veteran presence to calm things down will be an automatic boost. Rookies like Khaman Maluach, Koby Brea, and second-year players Oso Ighodaro and Ryan Dunn can learn a ton from a floor general. Plus, it'll allow those guys to focus on playing freely. They won't feel the need to do more than what is asked of them. They won't have to play a role they are uncomfortable with. If the Suns don't land either guard, they could strike out in free agency, despite having one of the best NBA drafts of the summer. Related: Suns' Mat Ishbia breaks silence on Bradley Beal buyout Related: Suns' owner Mat Ishbia breaks silence on Bradley Beal buyout
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Suns reveal strategy behind Kevin Durant trade, Devin Booker extension
The post Suns reveal strategy behind Kevin Durant trade, Devin Booker extension appeared first on ClutchPoints. The 2025 NBA Summer League has come to an end, and the Phoenix Suns were the winners. They didn't win the Summer League title, as did the Charlotte Hornets, but they had a nice turnaround in three months. The Suns extended Devin Booker to a $145 million contract extension. Meanwhile, the franchise traded away Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. Phoenix received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft (which ultimately became Khaman Maluach), and five second-round draft picks. The writing was on the wall when Durant exited his final Suns game with an ankle injury. Coincidentally, it happened to be against Houston. During the week in Las Vegas, one Suns front office executive, according to Spotrac, detailed the Durant trade and their thought process of securing a compensatory deal. 'When it became clear that was a direction we could do, we set a goal of not just going with a package of all young players and picks. We want to compete. 'We feel like getting Dillon (Brooks) and Jalen (Green), along with Khaman (Maluach) in that deal gives us a great balance of veterans, mid-career players, and a young big man to help us get after it right away,' the executive said. Durant's time with Phoenix was shaky, despite his contributions on the hardwood. The chemistry was there with Booker, but in the end, the furthest they reached was the second round of the NBA playoffs. Combining that with integrating Bradley Beal and forming a 'Big 3', it was a tumultuous ending for one of the worst failed experiments in league history. Devin Booker remains with the Suns It's not a secret how much Booker loves the Valley of the Sun. Time and time again, he repeatedly referenced his gratitude and appreciation for the city. They drafted him as a true freshman from Kentucky, where he only played one season. Nine seasons later, Booker broke the Suns' all-time scoring record. Those are only a glimpse of his accomplishments in the purple and orange. When it came time to put the ink to the paper, no one was shocked. It was a mutual feeling. 'That's our guy. He wants to be a forever Sun. We want that too. We're well on our way to making it happen,' a Suns front office executive said. Even with the shooting guard's commitment to the city, the franchise needs to surround him with formidable pieces. Despite the team being quite young with their three rookies, second-year players in Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro, and Collin Gillespie, there is reason for optimism. The Suns' hiring of Jordan Ott emphasized Booker being the focal point of the offense. He's also a coach focused on continuity and excellence, something not present with the previous regime. Phoenix's young players can make a big splash With the players mentioned above, people forget how young Jalen Green is. While he's been in the league since 2022, he's only 23. Booker himself is only 28 and has been in the league for nine seasons. There's a youth movement on the horizon, and one that the main star has been searching for. All throughout the 2024-25 season, he raved about Dunn and Ighodaro's mentality, and how professional and impactful they were as rookies. That being said, Phoenix's coaching staff feels the same way. 'We felt like last year's draft class was really good. Ryan (Dunn) can be a top-tier wing/forward defender. Oso (Ighodaro) just knows how to play,' a Suns coach said. 'This year, we hit a homerun. Khaman (Maluach) is going to be a top starting center before the end of his rookie deal. Everything in his profile speaks to how quickly he improves. 'Rasheer (Fleming) could play right away. Getting him in the second round was huge for us. And Koby Brea is on a two-way, but we think he was the best pure shooter in the draft. The best part, these guys are part of the identity we want to build now. A bunch of workers who defend and get after it every day.' The Suns need more balance at specific positions The team has a logjam at a few positions. Most notably, the center spot and the wing positions are stacked with three or four players. It's not necessarily a huge issue, but it could create a major disparity within other positions. It's something that the front office continues to harp on. 'Still have some work to do. We've got some overlap, but it's not in bad areas. We've got a bunch of centers who are going to push each other every single day, and we've got guards and wings who will do the same. 'I'm not saying we're done, but if this was the group we hit camp with, we feel confident that Jordan (Ott) and his staff can make it work,' a Suns front office executive said. Their confidence in Ott is impressive. The team alone seems more connected than last season. The majority of the starters were in attendance during Phoenix's portion of the Summer League. With nearly three months before the season begins, their time in Las Vegas might've been a telling and optimistic sign of what's to come. Related: Phoenix Suns 2025 NBA free agency grades for every signing Related: Suns rumors: 2 other veterans 'not on radar' as Chris Paul joins Clippers
Time of India
7 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Jalen Green Breaks Silence on Houston Rockets - Phoenix Suns Trade: 'I Get It, Bro'
Former NBA stars extend support to Boston Rockets' Jalen Green after Game 4 debacle (Image Credit: Getty Images) Jalen Green has become the face of one of the biggest trades of the 2025 NBA offseason—but not for reasons most would expect. While many players react to trades with frustration or denial, Green offered a composed, business-minded response to his move from the Houston Rockets to the Phoenix Suns. Through his farewell piece in The Players' Tribune and follow-up interviews, the 22-year-old guard laid bare a rare blend of honesty and maturity, offering fans a deeper understanding of the emotional and strategic realities behind NBA trades. The Blockbuster Deal That Shook the West The trade was finalized on June 22, 2025. In a high-stakes move designed to shift the Western Conference power balance, the Rockets sent Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix in exchange for Kevin Durant, Clint Capela (via sign-and-trade), a high draft pick, and several future assets. Trade Details Team Receives Houston Rockets Kevin Durant, Clint Capela (via sign-and-trade), high draft pick, future assets Phoenix Suns Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks Houston, fresh off a 52-30 season and second-place finish in the West, was eyeing a championship window. The front office believed that pairing rising star Alperen Şengün and floor general Fred VanVleet with a proven veteran like Durant would elevate the team's chances immediately. Jalen Green's Reaction: 'I Get It, Bro' What stood out most was Green's public acknowledgment that the trade made sense—even if it meant leaving the only NBA home he'd known. Reflecting on the situation in The Players' Tribune, Green wrote: 'Listen, nobody likes to get traded. But I can honestly say that I get it, bro. This is a business, and if I was up there in the executive chair, I probably would've made the deal, too.' That quote, originally penned by Green himself, was a poignant admission of the tradeoffs involved in professional basketball. According to multiple reports, trade talks around Green had been circulating since 2024, so he wasn't caught off guard. He saw the bigger picture—Durant's arrival could very well push Houston into the NBA Finals conversation. Farewell to Houston: Growth, Gratitude, and Brotherhood Green used his farewell to reflect not just on basketball, but on personal growth. Coming into the league at 19, he matured in Houston through both struggles and success. He credited teammates, coaches, and staff for helping him evolve as a player and a person. From locker room leadership to on-court development, his time in Houston was transformative. Green also expressed his love for the city and its fanbase, emphasizing his intent to stay connected with the Houston Rockets' community and players like Jabari Smith Jr. His bond with Dillon Brooks, who was included in the same trade package, will now continue in Phoenix—a small comfort in a major life change. What the Trade Means for the Suns and Rockets For Phoenix , acquiring Green and Brooks injects youth and toughness into a team trying to redefine its post-Durant identity. Green's athleticism and scoring ability, coupled with Brooks' defensive grit, provide the Suns with key tools to compete in a rapidly evolving Western Conference. For Houston, the move is clear: win now. Durant, even in his mid-30s, remains one of the league's most lethal scorers. Clint Capela's interior presence and rebounding will also bolster a team that's already strong on both ends. Houston Rockets' 2025-26 Core Outlook Player Role Kevin Durant Lead scorer, veteran presence Alperen Şengün Versatile big, playmaker Fred VanVleet Floor general, locker room leader Clint Capela Interior anchor, rebounder Jalen Green's response to being traded is a case study in emotional intelligence and professionalism. Rather than lash out or sulk, he accepted the decision with perspective, signaling a level of maturity uncommon for players his age. In a league defined by highlight reels and viral moments, Jalen Green's honest and thoughtful farewell stands out. His perspective offered fans a look into the emotional and business side of basketball—where loyalty, strategy, and growth intersect. As he begins the next chapter of his career in Phoenix, Green leaves behind not only a solid legacy in Houston, but a lasting impression of how to handle a difficult moment with grace. Also read: Blazers Star Deni Avdija Puts Israel Before NBA: Why Representing His Country Matters More Than the League This piece incorporates information originally reported by Ben DuBose of RocketsWire, who covered Green's farewell and the trade details extensively. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
In farewell letter, Jalen Green says he agrees with Houston's Kevin Durant trade
Jalen Green on Houston's Kevin Durant trade: 'This is a business, and if I was up there in the executive chair, I probably would've made the deal, too.' 'I really came here at 19 years old still eating Skittles before games, and I'm leaving here as a father. It's been a time, y'all.'@JalenGreen says goodbye to the @HoustonRockets. Jalen Green didn't want to be traded away from the Rockets in the deal that brought All-Star forward Kevin Durant to Houston. But the 23-year-old, drafted at No. 2 overall in the 2021 first round and now a starting guard for the Phoenix Suns, does understand it. In a self-authored Players Tribune article saying farewell to Houston, Green indicates that if he was somehow in the position of general manager Rafael Stone, he'd likely have made the same decision. Green writes: Listen, nobody likes to get traded. But I can honestly say that I get it, bro. This is a business, and if I was up there in the executive chair, I probably would've made the deal, too. I think it's a better situation for both sides, and I'm just excited to get it popping with Book (Devin Booker), and to create that winning culture that we figured out down here in Houston. After Green's first two NBA seasons featured 22 or fewer wins and spots at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the Rockets improved to 52-30 and No. 2 in the West in 2024-25. Green was the leading scorer and clearly played a key role in that success, along with transitioning Houston out of its aforementioned rebuild. But given the presence of Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun as rising stars and quality veterans such as Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams, the Rockets felt they were an elite perimeter scorer away from becoming a serious championship contender. Green might become that in time, but Durant is already that, at present. Thus, the trade, which came weeks after Green's underwhelming first-round series in the 2025 NBA playoffs. It's a move that earned high approval ratings for Stone and the Rockets, and one that makes so much sense that even Green seemingly understands it, himself. Green's complete article can be viewed here. More: Jalen Green reportedly determined to improve upon playoff struggles, stay in Houston
