The Phoenix Suns have officially been eliminated from playoff contention with their 125-112 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
Boasting the NBA’s most expensive roster, Phoenix began the season with championship hopes under the leadership of two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Budenholzer. Budenholzer, who led the Milwaukee Bucks to the 2020-21 NBA title, joined the team this offseason on a five-year, $50 million deal.
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But the Suns didn’t even make the Play-In Tournament, losing eight of their last 11.
The top-heavy roster Budenholzer inherited — built around stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal — lacked defensive discipline and toughness. And with Phoenix above the second tax apron, a salary threshold that limits how high-spending teams can make deals, the Suns weren’t able to make many moves to improve the roster.
Budenholzer tried 33 starting lineups, but the results seldom changed and the team will finish with a losing record for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
Since posting a franchise-record 64 wins during the 2021-22 season, the Suns have changed coaches twice, overhauled the bench and traded for Beal, a three-time All-Star with a hefty contract that includes a no-trade clause.
What comes next for Phoenix?
Anyone who has watched the Suns recently knew this was coming. Wednesday night just made it official. Phoenix has had weeks to secure a spot in the Play-In Tournament. Their biggest hurdle was the closing schedule — it’s been rough — and their own motivation. Losing eight in a row, all by double digits, three at home by 30-plus, says all you need to know.
It’s been a steep fall for Phoenix. Since owner Mat Ishbia took over in 2023, the Suns have gotten progressively worse.
Changes might be coming. Budenholzer, an Arizona native, may be finished after one season. GM James Jones could be on the way out. The Suns need to get younger and more athletic. Above the second tax apron, a salary threshold that limits how high-spending teams can make deals, the Suns this season lacked the flexibility to do this. Trading Durant may be a necessary first step. — Doug Haller, Arizona senior writer
(Photo: Kelsey Grant / Getty Images)
