The Phoenix Suns: A Journey from Hope to Despair and the Road Ahead
In the world of sports, few stories are as compelling as the rise and fall of a team. The Phoenix Suns, once a beacon of hope and inspiration, now find themselves at a crossroads. Let’s take a journey through their recent history and explore what the future might hold for this beleaguered franchise.
It all began in June 2020, in a makeshift locker room at Walt Disney World. The Suns had just completed an impressive 8-0 run in the Orlando bubble, and head coach Monty Williams delivered a speech that would become legendary within the franchise. “We are not the Suns of old!” Williams proclaimed, his voice filled with pride and determination. “It’s hard to play the way you’ve played and not get the respect you deserve. But guess what, you’ve got it! We’ve shocked the world and this is special. You’ve gained the respect of the league!”
Despite their remarkable performance, the Suns narrowly missed the playoffs that year, marking the 10th consecutive season without a postseason appearance. However, Williams’ words proved prophetic. The Suns reached the NBA Finals in 2021 and made the playoffs in the following years. But the glory was short-lived, as their playoff streak came to an abrupt end last week after four years.
The Suns’ season concluded with a disheartening 38-point loss at home to the Golden State Warriors, marking their seventh consecutive double-digit defeat. “There’s no justification for this,” lamented Suns coach Mike Budenholzer during a post-game news conference. “We’re going through a tough time.”
Budenholzer’s tenure with the Suns was short-lived, as he was fired just one year into a five-year, $50 million contract. The Suns are now in search of their fourth head coach in as many seasons, a period marked by significant changes since owner Mat Ishbia acquired the team in February 2023. General manager James Jones, the architect of the Suns’ Finals team and the 64-win team in the 2021-22 season, is also facing an uncertain future, as his contract is set to expire.
Franchise player Devin Booker expressed his frustration after the team’s elimination from postseason contention, following an eighth straight double-digit loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. “It’s been a slow bleed out,” Booker admitted. “I’ve been feeling this way for the majority of the season.”
The Suns now face a daunting question: What can they do to avoid another multiyear playoff drought, given their $367 million roster—the second-most expensive in NBA history—and the lack of control over their draft picks for the rest of the decade?
Privately, the Suns have been grappling with this question since last winter, as they came to terms with the flaws in their roster. While they currently lack a head coach and face potential front office turnover, a new plan is taking shape, with emerging cornerstones for the future.
Building Around Devin Booker
Devin Booker remains the franchise player, even after the acquisitions of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Booker, who recently completed the first season of a four-year, $220 million extension, is expected to receive a two-year, $149.8 million extension offer this summer. Despite averaging a career-high 37.3 minutes and 25.6 points per game, Booker’s shooting percentage from beyond the arc dropped to a career-low 33%.
As the season unraveled, Booker began emphasizing the importance of his “voice” within the team. This shift was intentional, as he and Budenholzer had clashed over Booker’s communication in team settings. Now, at 28 years old and 10 years into his career, Booker is making it clear that he intends to have a more significant say in the team’s direction.
“[I need] to be a leader and use my voice more,” Booker stated. When asked if this meant speaking to teammates, coaches, or management, Booker replied, “Everybody.”
However, building around Booker will be challenging due to the Suns’ position in the second apron, which imposes severe salary cap limitations.
Considering a Kevin Durant Trade
Kevin Durant’s presence on the court undeniably improved the Suns’ performance. In the 62 games he played, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. The Suns were 33-29 with Durant, a 44-win pace that would have placed them ninth in the Western Conference. However, they finished 11th overall.
Despite Durant’s contributions, the Suns’ sky-high payroll and the constraints of the second apron have left them with limited options for roster adjustments. Trading Durant appears to be the most logical course of action, a conclusion the team reached midseason when they explored potential deals.
Durant, who has one year remaining on his contract at $55 million, expressed his desire to remain with the Suns and help turn the season around. However, a sprained left ankle on March 30 dashed those hopes, and the Suns’ season ended in disappointment.
While a midseason trade did not materialize, the Suns discovered significant interest in Durant from teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs. The Timberwolves, in particular, were aggressive in their pursuit of Durant, who shares a close relationship with star player Anthony Edwards.
As the offseason approaches, the Suns are taking a different approach by involving Durant’s agent, Rich Kleiman, in discussions. The potential trade scenarios will depend on several factors, including finding a team willing to pay a premium for Durant and ensuring he is comfortable with the destination.
Hiring a Coach for Stability
The Suns’ coaching carousel has been a source of instability. Monty Williams was unexpectedly fired after a 4-2 series loss to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 conference semifinals. The Suns have since cycled through coaches, including Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer, both of whom had championship experience.
As the Suns search for their next head coach, they may pivot from seeking a coach with championship credentials to one who can build strong relationships with players. This shift in focus reflects the need for stability and cohesion within the team.
In the words of the Suns’ statement following Budenholzer’s firing, “Change is needed.” The Suns must now navigate a challenging offseason, addressing their roster and coaching needs to chart a new course for the future.
Originally Written by: Brian Windhorst
