In June 2020, Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams delivered a memorable speech in a makeshift locker room at Walt Disney World. After an undefeated 8-0 run in the Orlando bubble, Williams proudly declared, `We are not the Suns of old! You`ve gained the respect of the league!`
This marked the last season before their recent struggles that the Suns missed the playoffs. While they narrowly missed the play-in tournament after Orlando, it was still their tenth consecutive year out of the postseason. They had only surpassed .500 once during that decade.
Williams’s words proved prophetic as the Suns reached the 2021 Finals and consistently made the playoffs afterward.
However, this four-year playoff streak ended last week, devoid of the optimism that followed their near miss in Orlando.
`There`s no justification for this,` admitted Suns coach Mike Budenholzer after a 38-point home loss to the Golden State Warriors, their seventh straight double-digit defeat, effectively ending their season. `We`re going through a tough time.`
Budenholzer was dismissed on Monday, just one year into a five-year, $50 million contract. The Suns will enter next season with their fourth head coach in as many years, all hired since Mat Ishbia acquired the team in February 2023. General manager James Jones`s contract, the architect of their Finals and 64-win teams, is also uncertain for next season, according to sources.
Franchise player Devin Booker acknowledged the season`s decline after their playoff elimination following an eighth consecutive double-digit loss to Oklahoma City. `It`s been a slow bleed out,` Booker stated, `I`ve been feeling this way for the majority of the season.`
This raises a critical question: How can the Suns, burdened with a $367 million roster — the second-highest in NBA history — and lacking control of their draft picks for the remainder of the decade, avoid another prolonged slump?
The Suns have been privately grappling with this question since last winter, recognizing the deep flaws in their current structure.
Despite the coaching change and potential front office adjustments, a new strategy is forming. Sources indicate that key elements are already emerging.
Building Around Devin Booker
Devin Booker remains the cornerstone of the franchise, a role he held before the acquisitions of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Phoenix is expected to offer Booker, who is eligible for a two-year, $149.8 million extension this summer, a contract extension.
In his season under Budenholzer, Booker averaged a career-high 37.3 minutes and 25.6 points, his lowest scoring output since 2018. He also shot a career-low 33% from three-point range.
As the season unraveled, Booker emphasized the importance of his `voice,` a deliberate shift in his approach, sources suggest. He and Budenholzer reportedly clashed regarding Booker`s communication within team settings. Booker publicly mentioning his need to speak up more sent a clear message as the coach departed. Now at 28 and with a decade in the league, Booker is signaling a more vocal leadership role.
`[I need] to be a leader and use my voice more,` Booker affirmed last week, clarifying that this extended to `Everybody,` including teammates, coaches, and management.
However, the Suns` precarious salary cap situation, deep in the second apron, presents significant challenges to quickly building a contender around Booker.
Trading Kevin Durant: A Necessary Consideration
The Suns performed better with Kevin Durant in the lineup. In the 62 games Durant played this season, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Their record was 33-29 with Durant, a 44-win pace, compared to 3-17 when he was absent.
Despite his impact, trading Durant appears to be the most viable option for significant roster change given the Suns` restrictive payroll and limited flexibility.
Trading Booker is reportedly not an option for the team.
The salary cap restrictions prevent the Suns from easily adjusting their roster through role player swaps. This limitation prompted them to explore Durant trades as early as late January, considering the substantial cost of acquiring him in February 2023: four first-round picks, three pick swaps, and young talents Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson.
When Durant learned of potential trade discussions, including a possible return to Golden State, he communicated his desire to remain in Phoenix and contribute to turning the season around.
Durant explained his position to Draymond Green, stating his priority is to `have my career end on my terms.`
The trade deadline passed without a deal.
Durant’s hopes were further dashed by a severe ankle sprain on March 30, marking a definitive end to his challenging season and potentially his tenure in Phoenix.
Although a midseason trade didn`t materialize, the Suns gained valuable insight: there was significant interest in Durant from teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs.
The Timberwolves, also facing second apron constraints, showed strong interest in Durant, particularly due to his relationship with Anthony Edwards. The Rockets, possessing future Suns` first-round picks, and the Knicks, long-time admirers of Durant, are also expected to remain potential suitors.
The Suns acknowledge they should have involved Durant earlier in trade discussions. This offseason, Durant`s agent is scheduled to meet with the Suns to discuss potential paths forward.
Several factors will shape these trade discussions.
Any team acquiring Durant will likely want assurance of his commitment beyond a single season, given his age and contract situation. Durant is eligible for a significant contract extension.
Finding a team Durant favors, with salary cap space, and willing to meet the Suns` trade demands will be complex, especially if Durant prioritizes contending teams. The NBA`s current financial landscape with the aprons adds further complexity to such a trade.
Alternatively, a team seeking a short-term boost for a title run or increased fan engagement might consider a one-year Durant acquisition.
The ultimate outcome remains uncertain, pending the playoffs, draft lottery, draft, and free agency.
Hiring a Coach for the Future
The firing of Monty Williams after the 2023 conference semifinals loss surprised many in the league. Despite being tied 2-2 against the eventual champion Denver Nuggets, ownership opted for change after two blowout losses.
Ishbia prioritized hiring a coach with a championship pedigree, initially considering figures like Doc Rivers and Nick Nurse before appointing Frank Vogel, a 2020 champion with the Lakers. This strategy continued with the subsequent hiring of Mike Budenholzer, who won a title with the Bucks against the Suns in 2021.
The Suns have also interviewed promising young coaches like Jordi Fernandez and Kevin Young.
The Suns` next coaching hire may shift from prioritizing immediate championship contention to seeking a coach capable of building strong player relationships. Sources suggest Budenholzer struggled in this area.
In reassessing their failed strategy, the Suns may heed their own statement following Budenholzer`s dismissal: `Change is needed.`