Phoenix Suns: Five things you need to know

• The Suns run an exciting up-tempo offense
• Perennial playoff contenders in the 1990s and 2000s
• Still seeking first NBA championship

The Phoenix Suns are one of the winningest NBA franchises. Nearing six decades of competition, the Suns hold the fifth highest winning percentage which stands at .535. Despite having an inherent propensity to win games the franchise has never brought the Larry O’Brien trophy to America’s desert southwest. After opening a championship window by acquiring Kevin Durant, his departure this offseason has signalled the franchises shift toward a mild rebuild.

2024-25 NBA Season Summary

• Record: 36-46
• Finish: 11th seed
• All-Star Selections: Kevin Durant

The Phoenix Suns were aiming high in the 2024-25 season, expecting the campaign to go beyond a standard 82-game season. Finishing as the 11th seed in the West, the Suns were underwhelming throughout the season, holding a 19-18 record with Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker on the court. Possessing the NBA’s highest payroll, it's clear to say that the Suns didn’t get what they paid for in the 2024/25 season.

Offseason Moves

Re-signing

• Devin Booker agrees to 2-year extension
• Collin Gillespie returns on 1-year deal

Additions

• Dillon Brooks joins via 7-team trade with Rockets
• Jared Butler agrees to 1-year deal
• Jordan Goodwin claimed off waivers
• Jalen Green joins via 7-team trade with Rockets
• Nigel Hayes-Davis agrees to 1-year deal
• Mark Williams joins via trade with Hornets

Departures

• Bradley Beal departs via buyout
• Kevin Durant departs via 7-team trade with Rockets
• Tyus Jones departs in free agency to Magic
• Cody Martin waived
• Vasilije Micić departs via trade with Hornets
• Mason Plumlee departs in free agency to Hornets
• TyTy Washington departs in free agency to Clippers

The Phoenix Suns experienced a significant player overhaul this offseason, with six players coming in and seven departing. Not only did the Suns get rid of expensive contracts, but they also adopted a less risky philosophy with new additions. They opted to avoid big names and invest in players who have proven quality that can grow in time. Dillon Brooks’ game is often overshadowed by his antics, but it's impossible to deny that his two-way ability will be of much value to the Suns. Mark Williams is another great addition who brings a higher standard to the centre position and can develop into a top big if he stays healthy.

An interesting decision was made to extend Devin Booker for two years for $133 million, even though he was already contracted until 2028. Although it secures the service of the Suns most loyal and longest serving player it was an interesting financial commitment to make.

Despite this offseason being a move in a more positive direction, the risk in overhauling most of your roster is the time you will need to spend bringing it all together. Changing the team’s core in one offseason shifts the dynamic, culture, and playing philosophy. It's hard to imagine this team being an instant hit in the league, but time will tell just how good the business conducted this offseason has been.  

2025-26 Predicted Lineup

1. Point Guard: Devin Booker
2. Shooting Guard: Jalen Green
3. Small Forward: Dillon Brooks
4. Power Forward: Royce O’Neale
5. Centre: Mark Williams

Australians who have played for the Phoenix Suns

Jock Landale: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Landale joined the Suns in 2022 after a trade from the Atlanta Hawks. He played as a backup centre, providing valuable minutes off the bench with his high work rate on both ends of the floor. Landale's tenure with the Suns lasted until 2023.

Luc Longley: Hailing from Melbourne, Victoria, Longley was traded to the Suns in 1999 after winning three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. He played for Phoenix from 1999 to 2000, appearing in 62 games and averaging 6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Longley was known for his size and defensive presence in the paint.

Aron Baynes: Queenslander Aron Baynes joined the Phoenix Suns in July 2019. Taking the role as starter for suspended DeAndre Ayton, Baynes was immense. In his 37-point game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Baynes tied the franchise record for most three-pointers in a game with nine. Baynes departed the franchise in 2020.

Jonah Bolden: Victorian native Jonah Bolden signed a 10-day contract with the Suns in 2020. Bolden played in three games before departing the franchise.

History of the Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns joined the NBA as part of an expansion in 1968, along with the Milwaukee Bucks. Nine years into their existence the franchise reached its first NBA Finals led by Paul Westphal, Dick Van Arsdale and Alvan Adams. The Suns lost to the Hall of Fame filled Boston Celtics in six games and then entered a period of decline.

The Suns regained their contender status in 1993, when legendary forward Charles Barkley led the side back to the Finals. Setting up a matchup with Michael Jordan’s Bulls, the Suns would fall in six games and lost their championship potential for over a decade.

Steve Nash brought a breath of fresh air in 2004 signing and making an instant impact winning back-to-back MVP awards in his first two seasons. Accompanied by Shawn Marion and Amar’e Stoudemire, the Phoenix Suns enjoyed great regular season success but continually faltered in the playoffs.

Devin Booker has become the cornerstone of the franchise since 2015 when he was drafted with the 13th pick. Enduring dark times with the franchise, Booker along with all-time point guard Chris Paul led the Arizona franchise back to the Finals in 2021. Matching up against fellow 1968 expansion team, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Suns were unable to halt the Bucks comeback with the series ending 4-2 and Giannis Antetokounmpo winning Finals MVP.

Identity

The Suns have long been associated with an up-tempo, offensive-minded style of basketball. From the "Seven Seconds or Less" era under coach Mike D'Antoni to today's high-scoring attack led by Devin Booker, Phoenix aims to outrun and outscore opponents. Fast-paced offence focused on quick shots, three-pointers, and pushing the ball in transition. Defensively, the Suns look to create turnovers to fuel their fast break.

The Suns have cultivated a fun, energetic atmosphere both on and off the court. The team embraces its desert identity and has one of the NBA's most popular mascots in "The Gorilla."

Five Fast Facts

1. The Suns have the highest winning percentage of any NBA team to have never won a championship
2. Phoenix was one of two expansion teams added in 1968 along with the Milwaukee Bucks
3. Charles Barkley won the 1993 NBA MVP award in his first season with the Suns
4. Steve Nash won back-to-back MVP awards with Phoenix in 2005 and 2006
5. The team's mascot "The Gorilla" originated from an impromptu performance by a singing telegram messenger in 1980

Club Timeline

• 1968: Franchise founded as NBA expansion team
• 1976: Reach first NBA Finals, losing to Boston Celtics
• 1988: Acquire Kevin Johnson and Tom Chambers, beginning era of contention
• 1992: Trade for Charles Barkley, win franchise-record 62 games
• 1993: Reach NBA Finals, fall to Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls
• 2004: Sign Steve Nash, begin "Seven Seconds or Less" era
• 2005: Nash wins first of back-to-back MVP awards
• 2021: Reach NBA Finals for first time since 1993, lose to Milwaukee Bucks

After the failed experiment that was the trio of Durant, Booker and Beal, the Suns front office has given the roster a makeover. Phoenix have moved in the right direction, focusing on acquiring quality players whose contracts give the Suns time to recover from the shambolic financial situation from the past years. Although bright, the team is unlikely to contend for a championship anytime soon. The new roster is very raw and lacks chemistry, which could translate to the team possibly repeating last year's disappointment of missing the playoffs.