Phoenix Crashes Out: No Playoffs, Big Questions

The Phoenix Suns season is over.

With their recent 133-95 blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Suns were officially eliminated from playoff contention. They are three games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the final play-in spot, but already lost the season series 3-1 to Dallas. It breaks a streak of four-straight postseason appearances for the franchise.

Facing elimination, the Suns did not look ready to play hosting the red-hot Warriors.

Golden State jumped out to a 26-point lead by halftime. Devin Booker scored a team-high 21 points, but went 0-for-5 from three and committed five turnovers. Bradley Beal was held to just 7 points (3-of-8 shooting) — his third single-digit scoring performance in his last four appearances. The loss marked a seventh-straight defeat for the reeling Suns. Kevin Durant has been out for the last four, and is unlikely to suit up again this season.

A team boasting three offensive stars, the Suns never found their footing this year. Whether it was injuries or a lack of defensive intensity, Pheonix always seemed a step or two behind the rest of the Western Conference contenders. Now, they enter an offseason of uncertainty and will have to ponder serious changes across the organization.

Head coach Mike Budenholzer looks to be one-and-done. Taking over for Frank Vogel, Budenholzer was expected to jumpstart the offense. Phoenix opened with a 9-2 record, but began to unravel from there. The Suns dumped Vogel after going 49-33. It seems likely they’ll do the same with Budenholzer who failed to even finish .500.

Entering the offseason, there aren’t many avenues for the Suns to vastly improve their roster. Their draft pick is headed to Houston, which could be particularly troubling now that the Suns are lottery-bound.

Tyus Jones, Monte Morris, Bol Bol, Mason Plumlee, and Damion Lee are set to hit free agency. The Suns could also choose cut ties with Vasilije Micic who is on a team option. Midseason acquisitions Cody Martin and Nick Richards will both likely be retained.

The bulk of next year’s salary, of course, is due to Durant ($54.7 million), Beal ($53.6 million), and Booker ($53.1 million). Booker — who is signed until 2028 — is the franchise cornerstone, and any move they make will be in an effort of building around him (even if teams loaded with draft picks try luring him away). Beal is under contract for ’26, and has a player option for ’27. He also still holds a rare no-trade clause in his deal. The Suns tried unloading him at the deadline, to no avail. Entering his age-32 season, it will be even more difficult to move Beal.

Durant is the name to watch. He’ll be 37 next season and entering the twilight of his career. It’s unlikely he wants to waste another season in the lottery. Coming off his 15th All-Star selection, Durant is still one of the most lethal scorers in the league. Trading him might be difficult for owner Mat Isbhia who gave away a couple of fan favorites in the deal to acquire Durant. However, it’s perhaps Phoenix’s best chance at replenishing their draft picks and ultimately creating a more viable roster. Depending on where Durant lands, he could shift the title picture in an instant.

The Suns tried to go all-in by mortgaging their future for Durant. They surrendered their flexibility by acquiring Beal. Now, they’re in an unenviable position. This will be a majorly impactful offseason in Phoenix, regardless of the outcome.