It seems that Kevin Durant is once again at the heart of a failed superteam experiment. From the “Big Three” experiments in Oklahoma City, and then Brooklyn, and now with the Phoenix Suns, Durant’s search for another ring keeps hitting a brick wall.
Phoenix acquired the 15-time All-Star in February 2023, and the move sent shockwaves through the league. Pairing the future Hall of Famer with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal looked, on paper, like a surefire recipe for dominance. However, nearly two full seasons later, the Suns find themselves eliminated from playoff contention.
In the aftermath of another disappointing campaign, it’s clear that simply stacking All-Stars is not enough. The Suns lack structure, clarity, and direction — and heading into the offseason, the front office has some major decisions to make.
Potential Moves for the Phoenix Suns This Offseason
Saying Goodbye to the Slim Reaper
Durant’s departure has been a long time coming. Trade buzz surrounding the superstar started at the NBA trade deadline in February, with Durant acknowledging the trade rumors as part of the business.
“It’s just part of the business, man,” Durant told reporters. “Everybody’s bought and sold in this league, everybody can be up for auction. So I understand that. It’s just about getting back on the court and trying to play the game that I love.”
Durant, set to celebrate his 36th birthday next season, could potentially bring younger assets, depth, and more draft capital to rebuild around franchise cornerstone Devin Booker. Teams in a “win-now” mode, namely the Dallas Mavericks, might be willing to bet big on Durant and his remaining years. In return, Phoenix can regroup and focus on building a more cohesive roster rather than solely relying on star power.
Analyzing the Coaching Situation
Mike Budenholzer, who was hired to replace Frank Vogel, recorded the franchise’s worst record (36-45) since Monty Williams guided the Suns to a 36-45 record during the 2019-20 season. While it is Budenholzer’s first season, the fit in Phoenix simply hasn’t looked right.
Budenholzer’s plays haven’t translated well with this roster and the team generally lacked identity and defensive capabilities. While some could argue in favor of the 55-year-old head coach and extend him the benefit of the doubt, there is more to it than that. Clarity in leadership should be the Suns’ number one priority, even if Budenholzer is a championship-winning coach. Remember, he guided the Milwaukee Bucks to the title in 2021.
What To Realistically Do With Bradley Beal
Last but certainly not least, the Phoenix Suns are left with the Bradley Beal dilemma. His no-trade clause has loomed like a shadow over the franchise.
The only way the Phoenix Suns can be free of Beal is if he waives his no-trade clause for a team that is willing to take him on as a long-term asset. Unfortunately for the Suns, this rules out most top contenders and leaves Phoenix with two options: find some way to reshape their roster around Beal, or directly address his future with the franchise.