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Phoenix Suns not ruling out more moves, but good with current younger roster

Phoenix Suns Roster Update: Building a Contender for the 2025-26 Season

The Phoenix Suns are entering the 2025-26 NBA season with a revamped roster that blends veteran star power with emerging young talent, signaling a clear intent to chase a championship after a disappointing playoff exit last year. Following a busy offseason filled with strategic trades, free-agent signings, and draft picks, the Suns' front office, led by general manager James Jones, has orchestrated moves aimed at addressing key weaknesses exposed in recent campaigns—namely, depth, defensive versatility, and injury resilience. This update breaks down the current roster, highlighting new additions, departures, and how the pieces fit together under head coach Mike Budenholzer, who enters his second full season with the team.

At the core of the Suns' lineup remains the "Big Three" of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. Booker, the franchise cornerstone, continues to anchor the offense with his scoring prowess and improved playmaking. Coming off a season where he averaged over 27 points per game, Booker's leadership has been pivotal in attracting talent to Phoenix. Durant, despite turning 37 in September, shows no signs of slowing down, providing elite scoring and floor-spacing that few can match. His ability to stretch defenses and create mismatches will be crucial, especially as the team looks to manage his minutes to preserve health for the playoffs. Beal, who battled injuries last season, has reportedly returned to full form during offseason workouts, focusing on his role as a secondary creator and perimeter defender. The trio's chemistry, which showed flashes of brilliance but was hampered by inconsistencies, is expected to solidify with better supporting pieces around them.

One of the most significant offseason acquisitions is the trade for versatile forward Mikal Bridges, who returns to Phoenix in a blockbuster deal with the Brooklyn Nets. Bridges, a former Sun who was traded away in the Durant deal back in 2023, brings back his elite two-way play. Known for his defensive tenacity and ability to guard multiple positions, Bridges addresses the Suns' perimeter defense woes. In exchange, the Suns parted ways with Jusuf Nurkic and a future first-round pick, a move that clears cap space and allows for more athleticism in the frontcourt. Bridges' familiarity with the organization and his growth into a reliable 20-point scorer make him an ideal fit alongside the stars. Fans are buzzing about the potential for a "reunion tour" that could elevate the team's ceiling.

To bolster the center position vacated by Nurkic, the Suns signed veteran big man Mason Plumlee on a two-year deal. Plumlee, coming from the Clippers, provides rebounding, rim protection, and pick-and-roll savvy without demanding a massive role. His experience in high-stakes playoff environments will be invaluable, serving as a bridge to younger prospects. Speaking of youth, the Suns' draft strategy paid dividends with the selection of Duke standout Cooper Flagg at No. 4 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward with exceptional athleticism and defensive instincts, is projected as a future All-Star. His ability to switch on defense and contribute offensively as a slasher and spot-up shooter aligns perfectly with Budenholzer's system. While he may not start immediately, Flagg's upside could see him earning significant minutes off the bench, injecting energy into a roster that has skewed older in recent years.

The backcourt depth has also been fortified. Grayson Allen, who re-signed on a multi-year extension, remains a key sharpshooter, providing spacing and secondary ball-handling. His 46% three-point shooting last season was a bright spot, and he's expected to continue as a starter or sixth man. To add more guard versatility, the Suns acquired Tyus Jones via free agency from the Wizards. Jones, a steady point guard with excellent assist-to-turnover ratios, will handle backup duties behind Beal and Booker, reducing the playmaking burden on the stars. His poise and decision-making should stabilize the second unit, which struggled with turnovers in previous seasons.

On the wing, Royce O'Neale returns after opting into his player option, offering gritty defense and timely shooting. He's joined by newcomer Josh Okogie, who was re-signed to a minimum deal, ensuring hustle and energy off the bench. The Suns also took a flyer on undrafted free agent Ryan Dunn, a defensive specialist from Virginia, who impressed in Summer League with his shot-blocking and perimeter guarding. Dunn could carve out a role similar to what Bridges provided early in his career.

In the frontcourt, beyond Plumlee and Flagg, Bol Bol has been given an opportunity to expand his role. The enigmatic 7-foot-2 forward, known for his unique skill set of shot-blocking and three-point shooting, signed a one-year prove-it deal. If he can stay healthy and consistent, Bol could become a matchup nightmare for opponents. The team also retained Damion Lee for shooting depth and added veteran forward Thaddeus Young for leadership and interior toughness on a short-term contract.

Departures were inevitable to make room for these changes. Besides Nurkic, the Suns said goodbye to Eric Gordon, who signed with the 76ers, and Drew Eubanks, who joined the Jazz. These moves freed up roster spots and cap flexibility, allowing the team to focus on a more balanced, defense-oriented group. The loss of Gordon's veteran scoring will be felt, but the influx of younger, hungrier players should compensate.

From a strategic standpoint, Budenholzer's influence is evident in the roster construction. Emphasizing pace, spacing, and defensive switches, the coach has pushed for players who can adapt to multiple schemes. Training camp reports indicate a focus on conditioning to mitigate the injury issues that plagued the team last year, with Durant and Beal participating fully. The Suns' projected starting lineup—Booker at point guard, Beal at shooting guard, Bridges at small forward, Durant at power forward, and Plumlee at center—offers a mix of scoring, size, and athleticism. Off the bench, expect Jones, Allen, Flagg, O'Neale, and Bol to provide waves of energy.

Financially, the Suns are committed to this core, with Booker's supermax extension kicking in and Durant's contract running through 2026. The front office navigated the second apron restrictions cleverly, using bird rights and minimum deals to fill out the roster without triggering harsh penalties. This positions them as a top contender in the Western Conference, potentially challenging the likes of the Nuggets, Thunder, and Mavericks.

Fan optimism is high, with season ticket sales reportedly up 15% following the Bridges trade. The Valley is abuzz with championship aspirations, but questions linger: Can the Big Three stay healthy? Will Flagg make an immediate impact? How will the defense hold up against elite offenses? Preseason games will offer early clues, but on paper, this roster update represents a thoughtful evolution for a franchise hungry to return to the NBA Finals.

Looking deeper into individual player developments, Devin Booker's offseason has been about refining his leadership. He's been vocal about wanting more accountability from teammates, drawing from his experiences in international play with Team USA. Durant, ever the student of the game, has incorporated more off-ball movement into his repertoire, inspired by watching younger stars like Anthony Edwards. Beal, meanwhile, worked with trainers to strengthen his hamstrings, aiming for a full 82-game season.

For the newcomers, Bridges' return feels poetic. He left Phoenix as a promising defender and returns as a polished star, crediting his time in Brooklyn for his offensive growth. Flagg, the draft's crown jewel, brings a work ethic praised by scouts; his Summer League averages of 15 points and 8 rebounds per game turned heads. Plumlee, at 35, sees this as a chance to chase a ring, drawing parallels to his time with championship-caliber teams.

The bench unit, often the Achilles' heel for past Suns squads, now looks robust. Jones' playmaking pairs well with Allen's shooting, while Flagg and Bol offer intriguing frontcourt options. O'Neale and Okogie provide the glue—defensive stops and hustle plays that win close games.

Challenges remain. The Western Conference is stacked, with emerging threats like the Spurs led by Victor Wembanyama and the Grizzlies returning to form. The Suns must navigate load management carefully, especially with Durant's age. Chemistry-building will be key; integrating Bridges and Flagg without disrupting the stars' rhythms.

Overall, this roster update positions the Phoenix Suns as a formidable force. With a blend of experience, youth, and star power, they have the tools to contend. As the season tips off in October, all eyes will be on whether this iteration can deliver the elusive championship to the desert. The pieces are in place—now it's about execution on the court. (Word count: 1,248)

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