PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns have climbed out of the bottom of ESPN’s Future Power Rankings, with the improvement coming with caution: A better short-term outlook doesn’t necessarily mean a better long-term one.
Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) 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 was ranked No. 25 by ESPN analysts, a steady rise from No. 30 last year. The jump comes after a surprising playoff berth in which the Suns exceeded preseason expectations, while also reshaping their roster around Devin Booker following the departures of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.
The ranking is designed to evaluate not only what a team could accomplish this season, but also the questions that could shape its outlook over the next few years.
The Suns scored particularly well in money and the draft, ranking first and second, respectively, in those categories. Those numbers, however, need context. Phoenix’s strong financial resources have helped owner Mat Ishbia pursue talent, while its draft outlook is complicated by the picks it has surrendered in recent blockbuster trades.
Apr 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) moves the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
In fact, Phoenix has finished in the bottom six of ESPN’s draft category for four consecutive years, a stretch that overlaps with the acquisitions of Durant and Beal and the resulting depletion of future draft capital.
The team’s financial situation could also become a long-term constraint. Phoenix is projected to pay more than $40 million in tax penalties this season after staying below the tax line last season, and a potential extension for Miles Bridges could push that figure even higher.
That makes the Suns’ young talent particularly important to their future.
Apr 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) runs down the court during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
ESPN highlighted 20-year-old Khaman Maluach as the clearest path toward changing the trajectory of the roster. He played sparingly as a rookie, but his 7-foot-1 frame and recent NBA Summer League performances have offered hope that he can develop into a starting center the Suns can rely on for years to come.
Whether Maluach can ultimately become that kind of piece remains one of the biggest questions surrounding Phoenix’s future.
The Suns also have their franchise face in Booker, who is under contract through at least the 2029-30 season, along with Dillon Brooks, who signed a three-year deal with Phoenix in August. Their continued presence gives Phoenix some veteran stability as it tries to remain competitive while developing its younger players.
.@ESPN ranked the top 10 NBA teams with the WORST futures over the next three seasons 👀🫣
1. Kings
2. Clippers
3. Bucks
4. Bulls
5. Pelicans
6. Suns
7. Nets
8. Wizards
9. Grizzlies
10. Magic pic.twitter.com/wKKodxUUSs— SleeperHoops (@Sleeper_Hoops) September 17, 2026
And that’s where the Suns’ rise in the rankings becomes more complicated. Phoenix has enough veteran talent to remain competitive, but its long-term outlook will depend on whether the organization can continue adding young talent without sacrificing the flexibility it has already given up in pursuit of contention.
The Suns have moved out of the bottom tier of ESPN’s Future Power Rankings.
The bigger test will be whether they can turn that improved outlook into something sustainable — building a team that isn’t simply competitive in the present, but positioned to remain that way in the years ahead.
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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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