The Phoenix Suns’ season didn’t just end in failure — it ended in disaster. A $367 million roster missed the playoffs entirely, marking their eighth straight double-digit loss and ushering in a wave of questions. Head coach Mike Budenholzer was fired one year into a five-year, $50 million deal, and general manager James Jones may not return. This marks the Suns’ fourth coaching change in as many years.
With no first-round picks under team control for the rest of the decade, and heavy luxury tax constraints thanks to the NBA’s second apron, change is unavoidable — and long overdue.
Devin Booker: The Unshakable Cornerstone
Despite playing under three different coaches in three years, Devin Booker remains the face of the franchise. He’s coming off a career-high in minutes (37.3), but saw dips in production — including his lowest scoring average since 2018 (25.6 PPG) and a career-low 33% from three.
“[I need] to be a leader and use my voice more — to everybody,” Booker said recently, in a clear shift toward greater influence both on the court and behind the scenes.
Booker is eligible for a two-year, $149.8 million extension this summer, which Phoenix is expected to offer. Whether he accepts it or not, he’ll be the central figure in any future iteration of the Suns.
Time to Trade Kevin Durant?
Durant averaged 26.6 points across 62 games and was the Suns’ most consistent performer. Without him, the team went 3-17. Yet, Phoenix knows that trading Durant is their only path to flexibility.
At the deadline, Phoenix quietly explored deals for KD — including talks with the Warriors, Knicks, Timberwolves, Rockets, and Spurs. Minnesota was especially aggressive, hoping to pair Durant with Anthony Edwards.
Durant holds one year and $55 million left on his contract and is eligible for a two-year extension worth $124M. Any team trading for him will want some assurance he’s not just a rental. But at 36 years old and coming off yet another injury (sprained ankle), it’s unclear how much runway Durant has left at the elite level.
Coach Search: From Star Power to Stability
Owner Mat Ishbia’s pursuit of a “championship pedigree” coach backfired twice — first with Frank Vogel, then Budenholzer. Both exits cost the team more than $18 million in 2025 alone.
Now, the Suns are expected to shift toward a long-term developmental coach, someone who can build relationships rather than ride a resume. Internal favorites in previous years have included Jordi Fernandez (now in Brooklyn) and Kevin Young (now at BYU).
After years of chasing the instant gratification of stars and titles, Phoenix is now paying the price for ignoring roster cohesion and organizational continuity.
“Change is needed,” the team wrote in its official statement after firing Budenholzer. That may be the understatement of the season.
