Season 2023-24: 49-33
Season spotlight: A in mid-January, when the workforce had received seven straight and partially resembled what was promised by the proprietor.
The way it ended
With brooms. The Suns, led by three offensive wizards in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, didn’t win a single sport within the opening spherical of the playoffs, dropping 4 straight to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a workforce ranked 16th in offense .
In what was presupposed to be a dynamic offensive season for the Suns, accidents have largely prevented them from fielding a three-star workforce, and consequently, consistency has been missing. It didn't assist that the group prioritized high expertise, which with at this time's CBA comes at the price of depth. The Suns couldn't depend on their minimum-salary veterans, and that led to what was in the end an embarrassing collective efficiency within the first spherical.
The Suns acquired certainly one of Durant's greatest seasons in years. The 35-year-old averaged 27.1 factors per sport whereas connecting on 52.Three p.c from the sphere and 41.Three p.c from Three-point vary whereas showing in 75 video games. That final quantity is essential contemplating Durant has solely proven modest ranges of availability since his Achilles tear in 2019.
As environment friendly and efficient as Durant proved to be, nevertheless, he was undermined by the truth that Booker and Beal by no means appeared to seek out frequent floor when it comes to ball-handling and play-making tasks. That solely acquired worse towards the Wolves, as Booker, off a 49-point Recreation four, was reluctant to be aggressive and spent a substantial period of time recognizing as an alternative of attacking.
Lastly, the Suns' issues have been evident late within the season. They failed to attain 120 factors in a single sport towards Wolves, they didn't even handle to attain 110 in three of 4, and now there will probably be questions on the way forward for Frank Vogel and whether or not this present massive three can thrive .
The most important want of the offseason
Symmetry and record depth. That's simpler mentioned than achieved, although, contemplating the Suns are deep within the luxurious tax, and with the CBA introducing new challenges to roster development, it is going to be troublesome for the workforce to construct on its present basis. Oh, and a guard wouldn't be a foul factor both.
Organizational surroundings
The 64-win Phoenix Suns from 2021-22 misplaced a heartbreaking seven-game Western Convention semifinal, traded the farm for Durant and misplaced a six-game second-round sweep in 2023. In order that they gave the mortgage for Beal and have been swept. from the primary spherical of this season. It should be irritating to commerce each obtainable rising expertise and each obtainable asset for a $300 million wage solely to get demonstrably worse.
Paying Durant, Beal and Booker a mixed $150 million means the Suns have little means to enhance the roster past the minimal contracts. Certain, they may commerce certainly one of their three stars, however nobody is lining up for the remaining three years of Beal's deal, and buying and selling both Durant and Booker is asking for a downgrade. Name everybody this summer season and see if a savior arrives. If not, pray for well being and the chance that one other summer season collectively improves workforce chemistry. — Ben Rohrbach
Focus draft
The Suns want defensive assist in the paint and might be all in favour of 6-foot-11 Tyler Smith of the G League Ignite if he falls within the 20s, or may take a swing with Purdue star Zach Edey if he falls . Dayton 6-10 ahead DaRon Holmes II may sneak into the primary spherical. He was a superb rim protector for the Flyers throughout his junior 12 months. He averaged 20.four factors, eight.5 rebounds and a couple of.1 blocks per sport. — Kristen Peek
Projected draft choose (pre-lottery): no. 22
As a result of the Suns didn't have a first-round choose final 12 months, they should make that choice, however they will return the drafted participant.
Wage ceiling breakdown
The Suns are anticipated to be in second gear, particularly after extending Grayson Allen for $70 million, which can power them to both settle for a scarcity of roster flexibility or make awkward trades. like pivoting from Durant or Booker, neither of which appear reasonable.
Moreover, the Suns can't mix salaries to take extra money and can nonetheless should re-sign Royce O'Neale, which can add a major price to their already costly invoice subsequent 12 months. It's laborious to think about the Suns being any stronger subsequent 12 months.
Keyless agent
Royce O'Neale (UFA)
The objective of subsequent season
A greater outcome than what simply occurred. Whether or not which means a brand new coach, a extra streamlined roster, or one thing else, the Suns are on the ball. They’ll't afford to suppose long-term, and which means from right here on out they may win or fail.
What can transfer the needle of fantasy
A primary-round sweep is grounds for dismissal for one of many Massive Three. Booker is the franchise participant, in order that leaves Beal or Durant. And since Beal has a no-trade clause, the Suns must be on the hook exploring commerce choices for KD. Phoenix re-signed Allen, however there are much more holes to fill, and transferring KD may carry in additional position gamers or capital. If that occurs, Booker may slip into first-round draft standing by subsequent season. — Dan Titus