When the Phoenix Suns traded for Kevin Durant in 2023, they immediately jumped as the favorites to win the Western Conference. Durant, a premier superstar on both ends of the court, was paired with Devin Booker, a three-level scorer. Though they dominated that season and the following, Phoenix has failed to make it past the second round.
The Suns front office has done everything possible to lay a championship foundation in the valley of Arizona. They went as far as trading for an elite scorer in Bradley Beal and some of the league’s best role players in Grayson Allen and Jusuf Nurkić. However, these acquisitions weren’t enough against contending rosters in the Western Conference.
With Durant entering the third year of his max contract, Phoenix is on the clock to win a championship. They must continue to search the league for the best talent available and build a strong support system around the former MVP. The stakes are high, and if next season ends in disappointment, Durant and his party could be compelled to seek a trade elsewhere.
The Phoenix Suns must win the Western Conference next season if they want to hold on to Kevin Durant.
Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns fell short in the postseason partly because of the team’s nonexistent depth. Outside of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, Phoenix had no one consistently contributing on both sides of the ball.
In preparation for next season, the front office has signed countless role players to add competence in different aspects of the active rotation. However, one of the best additions in free agency was agreeing to terms with the former Washington Wizard Tyus Jones.
Jones is a spectacular fit in the starting rotation. Like a few others, he understands how to play the game while showing a willingness to do whatever it takes to win games. Jones’ efficient three-point shot will give Durant more opportunities to operate in isolation, leading to instant points.
Nonetheless, the Phoenix Suns have plenty at stake throughout next season. They must remain healthy and perform well in the playoffs to prevent the two-time champion from requesting a trade. Assuming Phoenix meets expectations, Durant could agree to an extension and remain in the valley for the foreseeable future.
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