Kofi Inkoom
Despite prioritizing immediate success this season, the Suns fell short of their championship aspirations, being swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. This outcome has raised questions about their future direction
Owner Mat Ishbia’s team has heavily invested in star players like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, leaving limited flexibility to bolster the roster.
With Grayson Allen’s recent lucrative extension adding to their salary cap strain, the Suns face the dilemma of relying on minimum-salary players and rookies to fill out the rest of the team.
Furthermore, the Suns’ depleted draft picks from previous trades hinder their ability to find promising young talent. While blame may fall on certain individuals for the team’s shortcomings, avenues for significant change are scarce.
Without the option of drastic roster overhauls, the Suns are seemingly locked into their current trajectory. While some speculate about trading Durant and Booker for future assets, such a move seems unlikely given the owner’s apparent reluctance to admit mistakes or sacrifice short-term success for long-term gains.
As a result, the Suns’ lineup is poised to remain largely unchanged next season, with any potential alterations likely occurring in the bench rotation. Player options for Eric Gordon, Drew Eubanks, Josh Okogie, and Damion Lee offer a glimmer of roster flexibility, though significant changes are not guaranteed.
Eubanks, especially alongside Eric Gordon, may seek opportunities elsewhere, according to Suns insider Gambo. Their limited playing time and potential for a more prominent role with another team could prompt them to explore free agency. With his skill set, Eubanks could attract interest from teams in need of a reliable post player.