PHOENIX – After trading away 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant and waiving Bradley Beal, the morale for the Phoenix Suns and its fans were rock bottom. The high hopes for a franchise that 26 out of the 29 other teams would trade for was in the mud. However, general manager Brian Gregory went to work this offseason to fix the sins of last season’s team and built through smart, cost-effective moves.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Gregory used all three draft picks on high-caliber prospects, took a flyer on a 23-year-old center via a trade, and helped with the final decision to bring in head coach Jordan Ott. After the rocky start, the Suns offseason plans appeared to repair itself, with ESPN’s Kevin Pelton agreeing in his “C+” offseason grade for the franchise.
Mar 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) gets ready for a game against the Houston Rockets at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Pelton on Suns offseason:
“Like Milwaukee, Phoenix put a massive amount of dead salary on its books with a buyout for the final two years of Bradley Beal’s contract. After dealing Kevin Durant, the Suns can’t realistically contend. Even making the playoffs will be a stretch in the West. But they have flipped their roster in a younger direction with three 2025 draft picks — having started the summer with none — and 23-year-old center Mark Williams, acquired via trade.”
Feb 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) dunks against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Pelton compared Phoenix’s situation to the Milwaukee Bucks, that waived and stretch Damian Lillard’s massive salary to create room to sign Myles Turner. The two teams received the same grade at a “C+” and have made the much needed scarifies to build around its superstar.
Devin Booker signed a historic two-year, $145-million contract extension and will remain the face of the organization. Last year’s roster was the oldest in the NBA, at an average age of 28.21. After this offseason, the average age is 25.24, which would’ve been nearly top 10 in the league last year.
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) dunks against the Houston Cougars= in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
The Suns are turning back the clock and embracing a younger team, instead of trying to bring in established All-Stars like Durant and Beal. Owner Mat Ishbia has stated that he wants to build a culture in Phoenix and bringing in young, hungry and impressionable players will help build that foundation for the future.
Despite many analysts initially burying the franchise next season, Gregory and his staff have done a stellar job of getting younger and bringing hope back to the fans in the Valley.
Former Suns two-way guard TyTy Washington Jr. signs with Clippers
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
