The Phoenix Suns are banking on continuity and a few calculated moves to escape the Western Conference's middle tier after a 45-37 season ended with a 122-131 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 28, 2026. Their offseason was defined by retaining core players like Dillon Brooks and making a major trade for forward Miles Bridges, setting the stage for the 2026-27 campaign.
What were the Phoenix Suns' key offseason moves?
The Suns focused on keeping their team intact. They re-signed forward Dillon Brooks to a three-year, $73 million deal and locked in Collin Gillespie, Mark Williams, and Jordan Goodwin on multi-year contracts. Their biggest splash was trading Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale to the Charlotte Hornets for Bridges.
They also added veteran shooter Luke Kennard and drafted promising freshman Koa Peat, who averaged 14.1 points on 52.8% shooting for Arizona. ESPN's Zach Kram graded the offseason a B-, praising the smart contracts but questioning the cost of acquiring Bridges, which involved an unprotected 2033 first-round pick.
Why does the 2026-27 season look challenging for the Suns?
Phoenix's path is tough. They finished last season on a five-game losing streak, including that playoff defeat to the Thunder. The Western Conference remains stacked with elite teams. Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks form a solid core, but health is a factor.
Green's availability is key after hamstring problems limited him for most of the 2025-26 season. The team's strategy under coach Jordan Ott emphasizes a high-volume three-point attack. They ranked fifth in three-point attempts last year. Success might depend on muscling into the middle playoff seeds rather than facing the West's top team early.
What is the biggest X-factor for the Suns' playoff hopes?
Center Khaman Maluach could be the answer. The 7-foot-1 South Sudanese player saw limited minutes as a rookie. Ben Golliver noted that giving Maluach a real shot might be how Phoenix takes the next step. His size could balance Ott's preference for faster, smaller lineups.
Internal development from young players like Peat and a full season from a healthy Green are also vital. The Suns' continuity, with Brooks back alongside Booker, provides a foundation. You can track the team's progress and check their upcoming matchups on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page throughout the season.
How does the roster construction affect their ceiling?
The Suns made less splashy moves overall. They believe their core, plus Bridges and Kennard, gives them a boost. The departure of Allen and O'Neale changes the perimeter defense and shooting dynamics. Mark Williams' presence in the paint will be important for rebounding and rim protection.
Financial flexibility took a hit with the long-term deals and the traded pick. This puts pressure on the current group to deliver. The Suns' best chance at a deep playoff run likely involves avoiding the play-in tournament and securing a higher seed. Their performance will be one to watch in the NBA's brutal Western Conference [standings](/standings).
