My roadmap to rebuild the Phoenix Suns starts right here.
The
Phoenix Suns have
officially named their general manager. Brian Gregory now inherits the unenviable task of reshaping an organization burdened by the weight of its own recent missteps, tasked with righting the wrongs of the past three seasons and forging a path that might return this franchise to contention. It’s a monumental job. This is a team trapped over the second apron, short on controllable draft capital, fractured in identity, culture, and alignment.
And yet…here we are.
Across countless hypothetical scenarios, back-and-forth debates, and transactional thought experiments, it feels as though only a handful of paths could realistically turn this current version of the Phoenix Suns into a true contender next season.
But that’s exactly what I’m going to attempt today.
Throughout this offseason, we’ve wrestled with questions. Should you trade Kevin Durant? Should you buy out Bradley Beal? Is Devin Booker untouchable, or should he be? Every possibility has been laid on the table, every asset scrutinized, every move questioned.
All of these thought exercises have led me here. To this article. My offseason thesis. How do you fix the Suns? Step-by-step, I’m going to try to do this.
It’s April 29 as I begin to write these words. Let’s see how long it takes me to work through this and how many words it will take.
(Update: It’s May 31 and I’m finally done. It’s taken 5,700 words). I considered breaking this up into five or six separate articles. That would probably be the responsible approach, and perhaps I’ll still do that. For now, though, I’m going to lay out every step here in this single piece. Over the course of the next week, I can revisit each step individually, offering a more focused, segmented view. That way, the community will have the space to reflect, discuss, and engage with each part in turn.
I know what comes next. Every word will be challenged, dissected, and debated. Holes will be shot through each step I take like a paper target at the Ben Avery firing range. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s the beauty of this. The infinite lanes we can all imagine for this team are each as unique as the person reading these words. You’ve got your ideas. I’ve got mine. And truthfully, I don’t know if this thing can be fixed, but we sure as hell are going to try.
So here I go. I’m still stepping into the box, staring down the pitcher, and guessing whether he’s coming high and tight with a cutter or trying to fool me with a slider away. The hope is to catch a few fastballs, maybe drive a couple into the gap, scratch a few runs across, and by the end of this, have something that resembles a roster capable of competing in the brutal Western Conference.
Let’s walk through this thing step-by-step, in the order I believe the Suns could realistically and responsibly begin to correct the mess they’ve made.
Let’s get to work.
Caps, Aprons, and Restrictions
We all know the story with the cap. The Suns carried the most expensive roster in NBA history last season. If there’s any hope of reshaping this team, it starts with a clear understanding of where the cap stands and a reminder of the apron restrictions that come with it. Only then can we get an honest look at what options the Suns actually have to work with.
2025-26 Salary Cap: $154.6 million
This past season, the NBA salary cap sat at $140.6 million. With a new TV rights deal on the horizon, you might expect the cap to skyrocket like it did in 2016. But the new CBA, packed with aprons and restrictions, puts a hard stop on that. Under the current rules, the cap can’t increase by more than 10% in a given year. That means for the 2025-26 season, the salary cap will climb to $154.6 million.
There’s your starting point from a cap perspective.
First Apron Threshold: $195.9 million
From there, we move to the luxury tax line. It’s set at 121.5% of the salary cap, putting it at $187.9 million next season.
According to Bobby Marks, that bumps the first apron up to $195.9 million.
If you need a reminder as to what happens when a team crosses that line, here’s what they can’t do:
- Sign-and-trade limitations: They’re not allowed to acquire a player via sign-and-trade if the move would leave them above the first apron.
- Trade exception restrictions: They can’t use trade exceptions created before the end of the previous season.
- Waiver claims: They can’t pick up a player waived during the season if that player’s salary was higher than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (this was about $12.8 million for 2024-25).
The first apron tightens up trade flexibility, too. Teams above the first apron have to match salaries within 100% in trades, compared to the 125% buffer teams under the apron get.
Second Apron Threshold: $207.8 million
Ah, the second apron. Hello darkness, my old friend. All of the first apron restrictions apply, as well as the following:
- No aggregation: Teams can’t combine multiple players’ salaries in a trade to match a larger incoming contract.
- No cash in trades: Cash can’t be included to help facilitate a deal.
- No prior year trade exceptions: Any trade exceptions created in previous seasons are off the table.
- Frozen first-round pick: A team’s first-round pick seven years out (for example, the 2032 pick if above the second apron at the end of 2024-25) gets frozen and can’t be traded.
- Delayed draft pick: If a team stays in the second apron for at least two of the next four seasons after their pick is frozen, that pick automatically moves to the end of the first round, no matter where it originally landed.
As it pertains to navigating free agency, the second apron has some restrictions there too:
- No taxpayer Mid-Level Exception: Teams lose access to this valuable tool, typically used by over-the-cap teams to sign free agents.
- Limited sign-and-trade options: Teams can’t sign-and-trade their own free agents while bringing back players in return.
The Suns’ Starting Point
With all of those restrictions in mind, we’ve arrived at the starting point for the Suns.
This is the one thing every one of us will have in common as I navigate this thesis. We’re all starting here. From here, we’ll scatter in a hundred different directions, like flies fleeing a fresh pile of dogshit. Honestly, even as I write this, I’m not entirely sure where it’s going to end up.
Nassir Little and E.J. Liddell are still on the books for the next five seasons. They will account for $3.8 million in dead cap total for the next two seasons, with Little’s contract accounting for $3.1 million until 2029-30. Ugh. The Ayton deal continues to give us consequences.
But for now, here’s what it looks like: if you wipe out all of the upcoming unrestricted free agents from the roster, the Suns will fire up the offseason with $218.3 million in total payroll. That’s $10.5 million over the second apron and $22.4 million over the first apron, with just 10 of the required 15 players under contract.
That’s the starting line.
And now, the real fun begins. The chance to reshape this team.
From here, we’ll address what to do with the “Big Three”, navigate the
NBA Draft, sift through trade possibilities, scour the restricted free agent market, and dissect free agency. From here, we’ll disagree. We’ll debate. From here, I’ll take my shot at saving this team. From here, I step into the role of GM.
Fixing the Phoenix Suns
Step 1a: Addressing Kevin Durant and Devin Booker
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this, writing multiple pieces analyzing the options related to trading or not trading Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Do you? Don’t you? What are the short-term reasons? What are the long-term repercussions? There’s no easy answer to these questions. Each is complex with more sliding doors than a ryokan.
So, where do I ultimately land?
The key to the Suns’ next moves lies in freeing up valuable cap space, allowing them to course-correct the mistakes made two summers ago. With both Devin Booker and Kevin Durant on the roster, the Suns already possess two elite scorers. One is generational, and the other is deeply tied to the team emotionally.
We’ve all seen how crucial players like these are in the postseason. When the stakes are high, when the pressure is on, and when anxiety runs rampant, you need players who are not only confident but capable of putting the ball in the basket. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker provide that.
So, you build around them.
No matter which route you think the Suns take, whether it’s trading or not trading them, the ultimate goal is clear: acquire elite players, whether through draft picks that can develop into stars or by using those picks to trade for established talent. And guess what? The Suns already have two elite players on their roster. So why not take another swing at it?
The window is still open. Sure, Bradley Beal has been a lock on that window for the past two seasons, but it’s time to cut that lock off. It’s time to reopen the window for Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Is this the step I believe the Suns will take? No. From what I’m hearing from sources, the path ahead leads to Durant being traded. In a perfect world, this is the move I would make, the one I’d prefer. But we don’t live in a perfect world. Personalities, egos, compatibility, and coachability all come into play. And because of those things, moves will be made. Still, this is my thesis, my opus, my version of the ‘ideal’ move in an unideal situation.
Step 1b: The Beal Situation
I took a deep dive into
how a buyout would work for Bradley Beal, and in both scenarios — a straight buyout or a buyout-and-stretch — there’s a path where it could be mutually beneficial for everyone involved. Yes, the Suns would be eating some dead cap, but the opportunity to escape apron hell carries real, tangible value.
Ideally, I’d love to see the Suns trade Beal. That remains the cleanest, most effective solution. But with an inexperienced GM now running the phones, I’m not convinced there’s a deal out there he’d be willing to take, nor does he have the ability to negotiate. It’s the best-case scenario in theory, just not one I see coming to life.
After weighing every option — keeping Beal, trading him, fully buying him out, or buyout-and-stretching his deal — I land on the latter. Buy him out for $80 million and stretch it.
Why $80 million? Because I believe that is the number it would take. Beal, who is owed $110.8 million over the next two seasons, could take that $80 million and then earn a two-year, $30 million contract (which equates to the mid-level exception) elsewhere. So that is a number he might find agreeable. And obviously, he must agree to it.
Stretched over five years, that’s a $16 million hit for Phoenix annually. While it would saddle the Suns with about 10.4% of their cap tied up in dead money (dropping to 7.0% by 2029-30, the equivalent of a $9.8 million contract under this past season’s cap), it unlocks valuable flexibility right now.
With this move, the Suns save $37.7 million in savings relative to the cap. They would suddenly find themselves operating with $14.9 million in room below the first apron in 2025-26, a number that offers real possibilities for reshaping the roster.
After step one, here’s where we’re at:
In the next graphic, we’ll shift Beal’s number to the dead cap line. This visualization captures how the cap sheet would look under a buyout and stretch scenario.
Step 2: The Ex-Hornets
When Jusuf Nurkic was on the team, the Suns faced a key issue: he wasn’t someone who held significant value on the open market. Yes, the moment he left, we felt it. Or more accurately, we felt it the moment his head coach stopped playing him. Defense and rebounding, two things Nurkic was good at, were areas where the Suns struggled.
The only out they had? The Charlotte Hornets. So, they traded for Cody Martin and Vasilije Micic.
Cody Martin is owed $8.7 million in 2025-26, but it’s not guaranteed. That’s the beauty of that deal. While Martin showed some defensive intensity, his complete lack of offensive production was glaring. He was solid enough to spark interest, but at that price tag, he’s not worth it. And there are better options out there for that price.
As for Micic, his team option for the upcoming season gives the Suns an easy decision. If they choose not to exercise it, they save $8.1 million. So fare thee well, Vasa Micic. We knew ye for a mere 21 minutes played.
By cutting both Martin and Micic, the Suns save $16.8 million. Combined with the cap space freed up from the Beal buyout and stretch, the team’s total salary is now at $164.2 million. While that still leaves them $9.6 million over the cap, they are now $31.7 million under the first apron.
Now, there’s flexibility. Now, there’s true wiggle room. Now, they can begin to explore options. They have 7 players under contract, with the 3 restricted free agent positions to consider, and 8 spots to fill.
Oh, seeing as we’re talking about former Charlotte assets, let’s not forget about Nick Richards, who came over from the Hornets in a separate deal. He’s worth keeping. At $5 million, that’s practically nothing, and he’s a highly serviceable backup big man.
Step 3: The NBA Draft
The draft will be pivotal for the Suns this offseason for a couple of reasons. First, from a financial standpoint.
The combined salary for two draft picks would come in at just $4.8 million. When you’re working to fill out a 15-man roster within tight financial constraints, adding two players at that price point is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
The second, and perhaps more important, reason is the need for youth and athleticism, areas where the Suns have noticeably fallen short in recent seasons. By making use of the 29th and 52nd overall picks, the team has an opportunity to address both issues in one move: stay financially responsible and inject fresh legs into the rotation.
Before discussing who I believe the Suns should target in this draft, let’s assess the roster's current state by reviewing the depth chart with the seven players under contract (after bidding adieu to Beal, Martin, and Micic).
There are definitely some gaps here, but we’re still in the early stages of the offseason. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to round out this roster and address those needs as things unfold.
So, who should the Suns target?
We’ve done
plenty of draft homework here at Bright Side, identifying prospects who could help in different ways. Some of these guys might be able to contribute immediately, while others would be longer-term projects. And that’s perfectly understandable when you’re holding the 52nd pick. Not every late pick turns into a Toumani Camara (who the Suns snagged at 52 in 2023), right?
At 29, though, the guy I’m circling is Ryan Kalkbrenner,
the 7’2” center out of Creighton. I’m aligned with the fan base when I believe a big is who the Suns should target with this pick.
What type of player should the Suns pick at 29?
— Bright Side of the Sun (@BrightSideSun)
May 22, 2025
A four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Kalkbrenner’s a smart, disciplined defender around the basket who knows how to rebound, contest shots without fouling, and anchor a defense. He’s also got a little stretch to his game as he can knock down the occasional three, which gives him some stretch-five potential.
Most importantly, he brings size and athleticism to a roster that’s been undersized for years. Kalkbrenner’s an athletic lob threat who can finish through contact, and he’s shown flashes of being able to put the ball on the floor and create his own shot. We’ll see how that translates against NBA length and speed, but it’s in his bag.
Offensively, his post game could use some polish, though he’s not afraid to go to it. Defensively, he’ll need to sharpen his reads in pick-and-roll coverage, but with a 7’6” wingspan and good instincts, he’s got tools that can help cover for those growing pains early on.
Bottom line: he’s the guy I like most for Phoenix at this spot.
At 52,
I’ve got my eye on Tyrese Proctor, the Australian junior combo guard who played at Duke.
He’s nearly 6’6”, shot an impressive 40.5% from deep last season, and has the ability to hit threes both off the catch and off the dribble. The kid can score. He’s athletic, has a solid handle, though he tends to finish with his right hand more often than not. If he wants to stick in the league, tightening up that left hand is going to be key.
Proctor also brings some playmaking chops to the table. He led Duke in assists during his freshman and sophomore years before passing that baton to Kon Knueppel this past season, which gave Proctor a chance to expand his offensive game. He’s a bit of a project — one of those modern combo guards who leans more scorer than facilitator — but he’d be a nice developmental piece for the Suns. I just hope he falls to 52.
With those two moves made, the Suns would head into the trade market and free agency sitting $26.9 million under the first apron with 9 players rostered, giving them some room to maneuver as they continue reshaping the roster.
Step 4: Trade Royce O’Neale
Next up, it’s time to turn our attention to the trade market. Yes, I passed on moving Kevin Durant, and I’m sure more than a few people checked out right then and there, convinced that dealing him is the path the Suns should be walking at this point in time. Clearly, I see it differently.
There is, however, one area where I believe the Suns can leverage a current asset to improve the overall roster balance. That’s with Royce O’Neale.
In many respects, Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen are redundant pieces. Grayson offers the ability to put the ball on the floor and generate his own offense, while Royce provides a sturdier defensive presence. Both are reliable from beyond the arc.
The challenge lies in their contracts.
Allen is set to make $16.9 million next season — a number that, while attached to a skill set many teams would welcome, becomes an obstacle in today’s NBA, where cap flexibility is prized and few teams are eager to absorb mid-tier salaries without meaningful upside.
As much as I’d like to move Allen in this scenario, the market for that contract is difficult to navigate. The Orlando Magic, everyone’s favorite landing spot for Allen, is a first-apron team. So they can’t trade for Allen unless the salaries match. GA makes too much for them to want to give up anyone unless it’s Kendavious Caldwell-Pope.
O’Neale’s situation is a bit different. His $10.1 million deal is far more digestible for opposing teams, making him a more realistic trade piece.
The question, then, is where does Royce go? In a perfect world, I’d love to see the Suns flip Grayson to Memphis for Scottie Pippen Jr., who’s on a highly team-friendly $2.2 million deal next season. But I suspect Memphis values him too much; with cap space in hand and a promising young guard on a bargain contract, there’s little incentive for them to swap potential for a veteran retread.
So I trade Royce to the Chicago Bulls for Lonzo Ball.
In this scenario, the Suns gamble on a different kind of upside: a once-promising, oft-injured floor general in Lonzo Ball.
Every team could use more shooting, and the Bulls are no exception. Last season, their bench unit shot just 33.5% from three, ranking 23rd in the league. With Josh Giddey and Coby White already in place to handle point guard duties, what Chicago lacks is perimeter scoring depth and a spark off the bench.
Lonzo’s story is familiar by now. A highly touted prospect out of UCLA and the third overall pick in 2017, he’s now with his third NBA team. His career has been marred by injuries, most notably to his knee, costing him two full seasons. The most games he’s ever played in a single year is 63, back in 2019–20. He did return to action last season, appearing in 35 games and starting 14 before a wrist injury ended his campaign in March.
In 22.2 minutes per game, he posted modest numbers: 7.6 points on 37/34/82 shooting splits, along with 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and a quietly impactful 1.3 steals per game — an underrated aspect of his skill set.
At 6’6” and just 28 years old heading into next season, there’s still a theoretical ceiling for Ball, though the devastating knee injuries cast serious doubt over what he can realistically be. From a financial standpoint, however, the risk is minimal. Ball’s two-year, $20 million deal is a manageable number. In essence, you’d be swapping a shooter for a playmaker, betting on upside while slightly improving your long-term cap flexibility in 2029. It’s a roll of the dice, but in today’s NBA, sometimes the marginal gains come from calculated risks like this.
Step 5: Restricted Free Agents
Current Phoenix RFA’s
Before we even venture into the restricted free agent market to fill out this roster, we need to start by looking at the three restricted free agents already in-house.
Let’s begin with Collin Gillespie. Frankly, I think the Suns missed a window at the end of last season. They had an opportunity to lock him into a longer deal when his value was still under the radar, and now he’s hitting the market as a restricted free agent. Teams will kick the tires on him, some out of genuine interest, others just to make Phoenix sweat. I wouldn’t be shocked if someone throws a cheeky two-year, $12 million offer sheet his way just to force the Suns into an uncomfortable decision.
But let’s assume no one overpays. If that’s the case, I’d extend him a $2.1 million qualifying offer and give him a player option for the second year. It keeps the relationship intact, rewards his growth, and limits long-term risk.
Jalen Bridges is a different conversation. He checks the boxes you look for in a modern 3-and-D wing on paper, but when he got his brief shot with the big club, neither the three nor the D really showed up. He’s someone I’d let test the market, see what’s out there, and if no one bites, bring him back on a two-way deal. He’s a developmental piece at best for now.
As for TyTy Washington, he’s a strong G League player, but Phoenix is getting crowded at the point guard position, especially if they’re serious about committing to Gillespie. Same play here: let him test the market. If he’s still available when the dust settles, you bring him back on a two-way.
This way, you retain control, keep your flexibility, and avoid overcommitting to fringe rotation guys before you even take a swing in the broader market.
League RFA’s
Now, let’s go fishing on the restricted free agency market.
There’s one player I mentioned among the restricted free agents who makes a lot of sense for the Suns, and he might also become one of the first casualties of the “new” collective bargaining agreement that isn’t so new anymore.
The revised CBA is beginning to reshape how teams spend, and mid-level contract guys are going to feel the squeeze. Gone are the days of handing out $25 million annually to players like Cameron Johnson. In a world defined by rigid spending aprons and suffocating cap constraints, every dollar matters. Teams are becoming far more selective, and contracts that once felt standard are being reevaluated. A player who might’ve commanded three years and $75 million in the past could soon find the market only offering $54 million for the same stretch.
That’s where Jonathan Kuminga comes in.
The 22-year-old is entering restricted free agency, and Golden State holds his $10.2 million qualifying offer. But given their own salary cap hurdles — and Kuminga’s rocky fit within Steve Kerr’s veteran-heavy system — it’s fair to wonder if they’d be willing, or even able, to match a competitive offer.
The Suns should make one.
A three-year, $54 million deal — $18 million per year — might be just aggressive enough to pry Kuminga loose. And you may say, “No way. He’ll get more than that.” Even Ryen Russillo pondered who would offer him 3 years, $60 million on his most recent podcast. And
The Athletic’s Anthony Slater
had a really good piece last week about the Kuminga turmoil and his situation with Golden State.
He’s shown flashes of what he can become: dynamic athleticism, defensive versatility, and a willingness to attack offensively that could help shape the very identity Brian Gregory is trying to build in Phoenix. He doesn’t need to be a finished product. He just needs the right environment to evolve.
The Warriors may not be that place. The Suns could be.
What I love about adding Jonathan Kuminga is the roster flexibility it gives the Suns. Where do we stand thus far in out building of the Suns’ roster?
Ryan Dunn could potentially start at small forward, though I see his ceiling more as a high-level rotational piece. Kuminga, on the other hand, could step in as your starting three right away. And if you’re looking to lean into a defensive identity, you have the option to get creative: slide Devin Booker to the point (not ideal, but something we’ve seen plenty of), start Dunn at shooting guard, and roll out Kuminga at small forward alongside Kevin Durant and Nick Richards.
The point is, with Kuminga in the mix, you gain lineup versatility. You can tailor your rotations based on matchups, flow, and feel, something this team sorely lacked last season.
At this point, with Collin Gillespie and Jonathan Kuminga added to the mix, we’ve tacked on $20.1 million to the cap sheet and now have 11 players under contract. So, before we take the final step and explore the free agent market, let’s pause and reflect on where the roster stands. The team still has $6.9 million to play with to stay under the first apron, and with four spots to fill, they will go over it.
Step 6: Free Agency
This season’s free agent class is far from inspiring. I went through every position and came away largely underwhelmed. But thankfully, the roster we’ve assembled so far is not only serviceable, it has a defensive identity that was sorely lacking. And still has offensive pop. Now, it’s about plugging the remaining holes and adding four more players to round out the 15-man squad.
The way I see it, with the Suns sitting $6.9 million under the first apron and $18.8 million below the second, there’s room to take one swing above the veteran minimum. The rest? Vet minimum contracts to stay under that second apron.
The first swing I’d take is on Precious Achiuwa.
Yes, he’s a bit undersized at 6’8”, 225 pounds for a power forward, but he plays much bigger than that. He’ll be 26 next season, and he brings a high motor, quality rebounding on both ends, decent rim protection, and average perimeter defense. The three-ball isn’t really in his bag, but if you need someone to crash the boards and bring energy, he’s your guy.
He hasn’t seen much run with the
Knicks this postseason, and his $6 million salary last year feels about right. So let’s go two years, $16 million. Slight overpay? Maybe. But it’s a movable deal and fills a clear need.
With the final three roster spots, I’m targeting complementary skills: one shooter, one defender, one player with size. All on vet minimums, of course. These names are going to be depth plays, both major contributors. You can fill out the roster with whom you deem fit. You want to keep Bol Bol? Sure. I would be opposed. You’re welcome, Rooster.
So, in my ideal world, give me Alec Burks, Guerschon Yabusele, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
- Alec Burks offers valuable depth at the two-guard spot, providing reliable shooting and serving as a modern-day Langston Galloway archetype for the Suns’ bench, a veteran who can steady the second unit and knock down timely shots.
- Guerschon Yabusele is a trickier situation. After a strong showing with Team France last summer and a productive stint with the 76ers, it’s fair to wonder if he’d settle for a veteran minimum deal. If you can land him at that price, it’s a steal. His combination of size, floor-spacing ability, and toughness would be an ideal depth piece. If the market pushes him beyond that range, pivoting to someone like Jeremiah Robinson-Earl makes sense — another versatile forward who can stretch the floor and bring energy in spot minutes.
- Sandro Mamukelashvili is also an intriguing option. While he’s not a dominant rebounder or rim protector, his offensive skill set and passing ability make him a unique fit for Phoenix. He could provide a different look off the bench and, just as importantly, serve as a valuable developmental partner for Ryan Kalkbrenner as the rookie adjusts to the NBA pace and system. He’s a good culture guy to have around.
Each adds something the Suns need, and more importantly, they fit the overarching theme of this offseason exercise:
Make the Suns tougher.
The 2025-26 Phoenix Suns
We’ve finally reached the finish line. I’m mentally drained. Truthfully, I’ve spent the past month carrying this in my head, preparing my thoughts, and capturing them in fragments whenever they surfaced. There were nights I couldn’t sleep, my mind refusing to close the floodgates on this topic. I know it’s not flawless. But it’s honest. It’s an attempt, and sometimes, that’s the most meaningful thing we can offer.
I know I lost some of you along the way. Maybe it was the moment I decided to keep Kevin Durant. Maybe you’ve got a soft spot for Royce O’Neale. Perhaps Lonzo Ball feels too fragile for you to take a chance on. Your eyes might be locked on a different name in the draft, or maybe you just can’t buy into the idea of paying $18 million a year for Kuminga. I get it.
But this is where I’ve landed. Is it a championship roster? Probably not. Only one team gets to say that each year. But I do believe this is a step forward. A step toward something more sustainable, more competitive. A team with spirit. With grit. With enough edge to keep us engaged and enough heart to give us hope.
This doesn’t feel like a group that’s going to check out when things get hard, not like some rosters we’ve seen before. It’s a balanced mix: youth and experience, athleticism and structure, offense and defense. And maybe most importantly, it feels like a team we can believe in again.
The final depth chart looks like this:
And the final cap sheet? The Suns are spending $202.9 million on the roster, coming in $3.6 million under the second apron. Mission accomplished.
They still have an open two-way spot they can fill at their discretion. More importantly, by staying out of the second apron, they preserve the kind of mid-level contracts that can actually be used to make in-season moves, something apron-bound teams simply can’t do. That flexibility could prove vital as the year unfolds.
From a roster standpoint, they’ve got elite scoring in Booker and Durant, vertical threats at the rim, gritty perimeter defenders, scoring off the bench, and multiple playmaking options. It’s not perfect. But it’s tough. It’s balanced. And for once, it’s built with both structure and adaptability in mind.
And there it is. My thesis. My opus. My earnest attempt at playing general manager for the Phoenix Suns, trying to mend what’s been fractured, to rewrite a few of the missteps along the way.
Now, I slip the blindfold on, the world fading to darkness as I take slow, uncertain steps across the soft crunch of gravel beneath my feet. I reach my mark, pivot to face my fate, and stand before the firing squad. Heart pounding, breath shallow, I wait — anxious, expectant — as you take aim.
Fire away.
Go Suns.
Listen to the latest podcast episode of the Suns JAM Session Podcast below. Stay up to date on every episode, subscribe to the pod on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, Castbox.
Please subscribe, rate, and review.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25997994/2130837672.jpg "Atlanta Hawks v Phoenix Suns")
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26001154/bballindex_player_stats_5_20_2025_9_04_58AM.png)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26004396/usa_today_25692471.jpg "NBA: Sacramento Kings at Phoenix Suns")
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26005204/2210250201.jpg "Phoenix Suns v Sacramento Kings")
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26010419/Untitled_design__1_.png)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26011223/1485269631.jpg "Los Angeles Clippers v Phoenix Suns - Game Five")
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26013780/2208663068.jpg "Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns")
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26007993/Five_Year_Cap_Sheet__3_.png)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25987466/2193966594.jpg "Phoenix Suns v Atlanta Hawks")
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26007996/Step_1_No_Beal.png)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26008000/Step_2_No_Beal__No_Martin_and_Micic.png)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26002173/Suns_Depth_Chart_2025__2_.png)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26008006/Step_3_NBA_Draft.png)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26001887/fanspo_nba_trade_machine_snap_h_5_20_2025_3_57_17PM.jpeg)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26008008/Step_4_Trade_Royce_O_Neale.png)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26002174/Suns_Depth_Chart_2025__1_.png)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26008020/Step_5_RFA_s.png)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26002203/Suns_Depth_Chart_2025.png)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26008025/Step_6_UFA_s__1_.png)