Phoenix Suns are watching the Las Vegas NBA expansion bid led by former owner Jerry Colangelo, while the club reels from a five‑game skid.
What is the Las Vegas expansion plan?
The ownership group, fronted by Jerry Colangelo, has filed paperwork to bring an NBA franchise to Las Vegas. Their proposal promises a state‑of‑the‑art arena and a market eager for basketball. The league’s Board of Governors will vote later this year, and the Suns’ front office is monitoring the development closely, knowing a new team could reshape the Western Conference landscape.
How does this affect the Phoenix Suns?
For Phoenix, a Las Vegas team means another regional rival and potential draft‑pick competition. General Manager James Jones has hinted that the Suns may need to adjust their roster strategy if the expansion draft draws talent away. The Suns are also considering trade options to bolster their bench depth, especially after dropping their last five games. Their recent form (last 5): 0W‑0D‑5L, with the most recent loss coming on April 28, 2026, when they fell 122‑131 to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What are the Suns’ immediate challenges?
The Suns’ offense has struggled to find rhythm, averaging under 110 points per game in the past week. Guard Devin Booker has been limited to 22 points per game, down from his season average of 28.5, while center Deandre Ayton’s rebounding dropped to 7.2 per game. Coach Frank Vogel has rotated lineups in an attempt to spark a spark, but the team’s defensive rating has slipped to the league’s bottom half.
What could happen next?
If the Las Vegas bid succeeds, the NBA will likely hold an expansion draft in the summer. The Suns could lose a role player, prompting them to explore trade packages for veteran depth. Meanwhile, Phoenix may target a seasoned wing via free agency to add perimeter shooting and defensive versatility. The front office is expected to meet with Colangelo’s group next month to discuss potential collaboration on scheduling and regional marketing.
And the Suns know time is short. Their next game against the Denver Nuggets on May 2 will be a chance to break the losing streak and prove they can still compete while the league’s future hangs in the balance.