The Phoenix Suns have not had the season they expected as we near the end of the year. The Suns are currently 28-32, which has them sitting at the 11th seed in the Western Conference. If the playoffs started today, the Suns would miss them.
While the Suns are in a prime position to overtake the Dallas Mavericks for the 10th seed after the unfortunate Kyrie Irving injury news, just barely making the play-in would have to be a pretty big disappointment in comparison to their team goals.
It is evident that this Phoenix Suns experiment hasn’t been successful, but the reasons why things haven’t worked out are various. The future of the Suns seems to rest heavily on the shoulders of their long-time franchise player, Devin Booker.
Devin Booker Labeled Untouchable In Trade Talks
Throughout the season, the idea was that the Suns were looking to trade Bradley Beal. Beal, who was acquired in efforts to build a big three with Booker and Kevin Durant, has been less than stellar in his role with the Suns.
Beal, who is averaging 18.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on 50.5% shooting from the field, has not provided the punch they needed. He went from a starting role to a bench role despite still playing starter level minutes, but he hasn’t quite fit in.
Due to his mediocre play and high contract, it seemed as if there was no market for him before the trade deadline. Instead, the trade deadline showcased that there was a market for another Suns player.
MORE: Updated NBA Power Rankings
Kevin Durant’s name was at the forefront of several trade rumors and discussions, including a deal to send him back to the Golden State Warriors that he vetoed.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN noted that Durant seems likely to be traded. Beal was on the trading block, and now Durant seems to be as well, which makes Booker the only Suns player that hasn’t entered the conversation of being traded. Windhorst said the Suns see Booker as untouchable.
Devin Booker has no intentions of requesting a trade from the Suns, and Phoenix views him as untouchable in trade talks moving forward, per @WindhorstESPN (https://t.co/RNOacq4iyO).
The Suns will look to trade Kevin Durant this offseason as they attempt to retool around Booker. pic.twitter.com/jNvNTkYDXo
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 4, 2025
Can The Suns Build A Contender Around Booker?
The Suns were considered a contender before they made the trades for both Durant and Beal. They went to the NBA Finals in 2021 following their trade for Chris Paul, marking a milestone for both Paul and Booker.
The following season, the Suns would finish as the no. 1 seed in the Western Conference before falling in the second round of the playoffs. Since the arrival of Durant and Beal, the ceiling for the Suns is the second round.
With trade talks looming for the offseason, the thought process has to be building a contender around Booker, but what does that look like? Both Durant and Beal command large salaries, so the focus has to be acquiring players that can produce, defend, and shoot in exchange for those two.
With trade talks looming for the offseason, the thought process has to be building a contender around Booker, but what does that look like? Both Durant and Beal command large salaries, so the focus has to be acquiring players that can produce, defend, and shoot in exchange for those two.