The Phoenix Suns embarked on a fresh journey this offseason, aiming to reshape their roster with a cadre of promising young talents. Letting go of a superstar like Kevin Durant was a monumental decision, yet the Suns accepted an offer they simply couldn’t decline for their dissatisfied star. While prospects appear dim for Phoenix in the immediate future, a solid performance this season might propel them back into playoff contention next year. Do the Suns possess sufficient talent to compete in the Western Conference, or will they find themselves focused on the draft lottery instead of playoff ambitions come season’s end?
Recap of the Phoenix Suns Offseason
The Suns experienced a whirlwind offseason, commencing with a monumental trade involving Kevin Durant that reshaped the league dynamics. In a significant seven-team deal in July, Durant now calls Houston his new home. Although losing their top scorer and future Hall of Famer is challenging for the franchise, they can take solace in the considerable assets received in return. Acquiring Jalen Green, a promising 23-year-old, gives Phoenix a foundational piece to build around. Green has shown impressive development through his three years in the NBA, evolving beyond a mere scorer to becoming a competent playmaker and defensive asset. With continued growth in Phoenix, he could reach new heights.
In addition to Green, the Rockets acquired Dillon Brooks and multiple 2025 draft picks, including the 10th overall selection. Brooks is poised to be an effective leader for this transforming roster, and his synergy with Devin Booker will significantly influence the Suns’ season. The Suns drafted Khaman Maluach from Duke with their 10th pick, bringing in a robust rim protector who also possesses the agility to keep opponents guessing offensively. While he may need time to adjust and won’t have an immediate starting role, he represents a valuable long-term asset for the Suns.
The Suns also traded away Bradley Beal, marking a definitive shift in the franchise’s era. The anticipated trio of Booker, Durant, and Beal, once viewed as championship contenders, ultimately failed to progress beyond the second round. Beal’s substantial contract was a welcome relief to offload, allowing the Suns greater flexibility in their offseason moves.
Anticipations for the Phoenix Suns Season
With last season ending at a disappointing 36-46 record and the loss of Durant, expectations are understandably low for Phoenix. While Devin Booker remains an elite talent capable of offensive creation, the challenge of securing a playoff spot amidst the tough Western Conference appears daunting. The franchise has shifted towards a younger roster, providing a refreshing outlook for both fans and management.
For the Suns to maintain relevance as the season progresses, Booker’s performance will be crucial. His average of 25.6 points per game, along with shooting percentages of 46.1% from the field and 33.2% from three-point range, represent his lowest outputs in recent years. Although he displayed a playmaking aspect with a career-high 7.1 assists, he deviated from this approach as the season wore on. If Booker can effectively distribute the ball to his new teammates rather than forcing shots, Phoenix could develop a potent offensive unit heading into the new season.
Breakdown of the Phoenix Suns Schedule
This season, the Western Conference doesn’t offer many favorable matchups, and the Suns will face this reality right from the start, with games against the Kings, Clippers, and Nuggets. A notable highlight will be Durant’s return, as he and the Rockets are scheduled to visit Phoenix on November 24th. The Suns will also embark on a challenging four-game road trip as the year concludes, which will lead them into a stretch of 12 out of 16 games away from home. If Phoenix remains in playoff contention toward the end of the season, the journey will be fraught with difficulty, as they face a six-game road trip and additional tough games against the Lakers and Thunder in the regular season’s final month.
Odds for the Phoenix Suns
Expectations for the Suns place them among the lower-tier teams in the NBA, with a projected win total of just 31.5 for the season. Historically, they have exceeded this total for six consecutive years, but it’s reasonable to anticipate a significant decline after the offseason changes. For playoff aspirations, the Suns hold +330 odds to reach the play-in tournament and +640 odds for securing a playoff spot. While surprises can happen, the odds reflect a general belief that the Suns will encounter struggles this season, with +2900 odds for finishing last in the Western Conference and +225 odds for landing in the bottom two.
Competing in the NBA Cup will also pose challenges for Phoenix, as they are grouped with the Thunder, Timberwolves, Kings, and Jazz, holding +1200 odds to lead the group and +10000 odds to win the Cup.
2025-26 Predictions and Best Bets for the Phoenix Suns
This season is poised to be challenging for the Suns, transitioning from a team with championship aspirations to one likely vying for the lottery. The departure of Kevin Durant leaves a significant void, and the Suns currently lack the proven star power needed to be competitive in the West. Our initial bet will be under 31.5 wins at -110 odds, as this total reflects a high expectation for a club incentivized to lose in the season’s latter stages. With a shallow bench and limited playmakers beyond Booker, the team will likely face struggles. While the Jazz may contend for the bottom spot in the West, the Suns could find themselves finishing in the bottom two at +225 odds. With the Pelicans improving during the offseason, the Suns’ path to wins seems exceptionally challenging.
Pick: Phoenix Suns Under 31.5 Wins -110
Top Pick: Phoenix Suns to Finish in the Bottom Two in the Western Conference +225
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