PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns enter the 2026-27 season with expectations that look very different from where they were a year ago.
Feb 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) against the Los Angeles Clippers at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
ESPN projects the Suns to finish 42-40 and land eighth in the Western Conference, putting them in the play-in tournament. The prediction comes after a 45-37 season in which Phoenix not only outperformed expectations, but did so by establishing itself as a postseason contender.
The projection is also a significant change from last year’s, as the club was only projected to win around 35 games ahead of the 2025-26 season after coming off a 36-46 season the year prior. With major changes in leadership, trades and the departure of Kevin Durant, Phoenix wasn’t given much of a chance to be competitive.
The Suns exceeded the predictions, but now enter this season with a different challenge: proving last season wasn’t an outlier.
Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) slam dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the first half in the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix traded Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen to Charlotte for Miles Bridges and signed Luke Kennard as a free agent. It also retained much of last year’s core, with continuity playing a major part in how this next season could be shaped.
It’s clear the Suns have established an identity and shown they can win. Now, the next step is building on the foundation they created last season. Bridges gives Phoenix another versatile offensive option while adding athleticism to the roster. Kennard provides additional perimeter shooting, which could help space the floor around Devin Booker and the rest of the Suns’ core.
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) blocks out against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The 42-win projection shows how little margin for error Phoenix may have. A three-win decline from last season wouldn’t necessarily mean the Suns are worse off. Instead, it could reflect a deeper Western Conference and how difficult it is to avoid some regression after exceeding expectations the previous season.
The goal isn’t simply to match last year’s success.
With a more established core, another year under Ott and new pieces added around Booker, the Suns have an opportunity to turn an unexpected season into the start of something more consistent.
.@espn predicts the Suns will go 42-40 and puts them in the “play-in group”
Apparently improving your roster from the season prior = 3 less wins. 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/qqJo3lLt8x
— SleeperSuns (@SleeperSuns) September 1, 2026
How they handle that increased expectation could determine whether Phoenix remains in the middle of the Western Conference or takes another step toward becoming a team capable of making a deeper postseason run.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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