Heading into the February 6 trade deadline, the Phoenix Suns were already struggling. After a strong 8-1 start, they spent months hovering around a .500 record.
Their trade deadline decisions may have determined their long-term trajectory. The Suns pursued a trade for Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler, but Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause blocked the move. Instead, they made smaller acquisitions, adding Nick Richards, Cody Martin, and Vasilije Micić.
They also considered trading Kevin Durant. Had he approved a return to the Golden State Warriors, he could have reunited with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Durant, however, rejected the move, stating on The Draymond Green Show that he was “committed to my teammates and coaches” and wanted to “see this through.” When asked about his long-term future with the Suns, he responded, “I want my career to end on my terms; that’s the only thing I’m worried about.”
Trade rumors are expected to resurface this offseason. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst even claimed, “They’re gonna trade him, and he knows that.” However, unless Phoenix secures a massive return, dealing Durant alone may not be enough to fix their issues.
The Bigger Picture
Phoenix has a financial dilemma, with over $107 million committed to Beal and Devin Booker in 2025-26 and more than $114 million in 2026-27. Beal’s no-trade clause and $57.1 million player option for 2026-27 make it difficult to build a competitive roster around him and Booker.
Additionally, the cost of acquiring Durant and Beal depleted their draft assets. The Suns have already given up control of every first- and second-round pick through 2031. While they still hold six first-round picks, their limited draft capital leaves little room for error.
A Durant trade could help replenish their picks. According to The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin, Phoenix ideally wants “three first-round picks and a young player” in a multi-team deal that also helps them get below the second tax apron.
The Suns are currently $26 million over the second apron, restricting their flexibility. Being above this threshold prevented them from combining salaries in trade negotiations, which hurt their pursuit of Butler. Dropping below it could provide some much-needed breathing room.
However, Beal’s no-trade clause complicates matters. He blocked a Butler deal at the deadline but is reportedly “open to considering other possibilities this offseason” (via ESPN’s Tim MacMahon). Still, his age (32 in June) and injury history might make teams hesitant to take on his contract without extra incentives, further draining Phoenix’s limited assets.
Should the Suns Listen to Offers for Booker?
MacMahon reports that some rival executives believe Phoenix should explore trading Booker, with the Houston Rockets among teams showing repeated interest. Houston has valuable future draft assets, including the right to swap first-round picks in 2025 and unprotected selections in 2027 and 2029.
However, Suns owner Mat Ishbia firmly rejected the idea of trading Booker, telling MacMahon that such a move “will never happen.”
“It’s surprising to me that people actually like the rebuild process,” Ishbia said. “Like, ‘Oh, let’s rebuild it.’ Are you crazy?! You think I’m going to wait seven years? I want to win today, and we’re going to try.”
This short-term mindset has already hurt the Suns. They acquired Durant in February 2023, just before the NBA implemented a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that introduced the second tax apron. At the time, teams well over the luxury tax weren’t nearly as restricted as they are now.
Even without the Beal trade, Phoenix was bound to be a second-apron team under the new rules. They briefly took advantage of a one-year grace period to acquire Beal, Jusuf Nurkić, and Grayson Allen, but the long-term financial impact is now evident.
What’s Next for the Suns?
The Suns didn’t have to pursue a third star, especially one who plays the same position as Booker. That gamble has backfired, and now they must navigate the fallout.
If they receive a blockbuster offer for the 36-year-old Durant, they might have a path to offload Beal and rebuild around Booker. However, Ishbia’s resistance to long-term planning could backfire. Executing a quick retool is easier said than done, and if Phoenix continues to undervalue draft picks, Booker might eventually reconsider his future with the team.
