PHOENIX – The weeks of pulling and pushing between the Phoenix Suns in Kevin Durant talks had become nauseating. However, the franchise finally pulled the trigger to send the 15-time All-Star to the Houston Rockets for Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and draft capital. Houston had its eyes on Durant since last offseason and finally got their man, with only giving up one piece from its young core in Green. For Phoenix, its stuck with a massive positional problem heading into next season.
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Mar 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) dribbles the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Suns’ biggest problem heading in 2025-2026 season:
The Suns currently have five players that can classified as shooting guards: Green, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale. Four of the five names are 6’4 and below and won’t be able to play in the same lineup. None of the guards listed are stellar playmakers and struggle to be the initiator for teammates.
Apr 13, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) and forward Ryan Dunn (0) react during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
Booker is capable of being that type of player, averaging 7.0 assists the past two seasons. However, the four-time All-Star is at his best when playing off ball and getting the ball on the move. Having a backcourt rotation with four of the guards that aren’t able to be floor generals will just lead to more on the plate for the 28-year-old.
Defensively should be a struggle with the lack of size on the perimeter. Adding Brooks is stellar defensive upgrade but seems to be like putting a band-aid on a broken arm. Outside of Booker, the backcourt rotation are all undersized shooting guards that will struggle when opposing ball handlers are more physical.
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) reacts after making a basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The lack of size wouldn’t be as dire of a problem with a defensive anchor center near the rim to help contest any breakdowns on the perimeter. However, Nick Richards hasn’t illustrated he can be that type of player as a starter in his career. Phoenix could add a center with the 10th overall pick, and hope for a Dereck Lively or Kel’el Ware type of breakout rookie season but that is putting a lot of pressure on the incoming prospect.
General manager Brian Gregory is not done tooling the roster, so plenty of time to address the issue at hand. The NBA draft is this Thursday and will be an indicator of where Gregory and his staff are veering towards free agency and other trades with their three picks.
Kevin Durant says Suns fans ‘got what they wanted’ after trade to Houston Rockets
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
