What Happened to Phoenix Suns?
The Phoenix Suns have undergone significant roster and coaching changes in recent years, transitioning from a 'Big 3' era to a re-tooled, younger, and more defensive-minded squad around star Devin Booker. After a disappointing first-round sweep in 2024 and a subsequent coaching change and roster overhaul in 2025, the Suns had a bounce-back 2025-26 season, making the playoffs as the 8th seed before another first-round exit. Heading into the 2026-27 season, the team has further reshaped its roster with key acquisitions like Miles Bridges and Luke Kennard, aiming for deeper playoff contention.
Quick Answer
The Phoenix Suns have experienced a period of significant transformation and retooling since 2023. After a disappointing 2023-24 season that ended in a first-round playoff sweep, the team underwent major changes in 2025, including trading Kevin Durant and waiving Bradley Beal, hiring new head coach Jordan Ott, and bringing in players like Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. The 2025-26 season saw a resurgence, with the Suns finishing 45-37 and making the playoffs as the 8th seed, though they were again swept in the first round. As of August 2026, the Suns have continued to reshape their roster, acquiring Miles Bridges and Luke Kennard, re-signing key role players, and drafting Koa Peat, aiming to build a more balanced and competitive team around Devin Booker for the 2026-27 season.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Mat Ishbia Becomes Majority Owner
Mat Ishbia and his brother Justin officially purchased the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury for $4 billion, the largest control transaction in NBA history at the time.
Monty Williams Fired
Head coach Monty Williams was fired after a disappointing second-round playoff exit in 2023, despite a successful tenure that included an NBA Finals appearance.
2023-24 Season Begins with 'Big 3'
The Suns began the 2023-24 season with a 'Big 3' of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, aiming for a championship.
Swept in 2024 Playoffs
The Suns finished the 2023-24 season 49-33 but were swept 4-0 in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Mike Budenholzer Fired
Head coach Mike Budenholzer was fired after just one season, following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign where the team missed the playoffs.
Kevin Durant Traded, Jalen Green & Dillon Brooks Acquired
In a record-breaking seven-team trade, Kevin Durant was sent to the Houston Rockets. The Suns acquired Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and draft picks, signaling a shift in team strategy.
Jordan Ott Hired as Head Coach
The Suns officially announced Jordan Ott as their new head coach for the 2025-26 season, bringing in a new coaching staff including former NBA players.
Franchise Valuation Soars Amidst Buyout Demands
Mat Ishbia rejected buyout demands from two limited partners, as the franchise's valuation reportedly approached $7 billion, a significant increase from the 2023 purchase price.
Swept in 2026 Playoffs
After a 45-37 regular season and securing the 8th seed via the play-in, the Suns were swept 4-0 in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Miles Bridges Acquired, Luke Kennard Signed
The Suns made significant offseason moves, trading for Miles Bridges from Charlotte and signing free agent Luke Kennard, further reshaping the roster.
Key Role Players Re-signed
The Suns re-signed Collin Gillespie (4 years, $48M), Jordan Goodwin (3 years, $19M), and Mark Williams (3 years, $38M), solidifying their core bench and defensive presence.
Dillon Brooks Signs Extension
Dillon Brooks signed a multi-year extension with the Phoenix Suns, indicating the team's commitment to his role in their defensive identity.
Projected 2026-27 Starting Lineup Revealed
The projected starting five for the upcoming 2026-27 season was reported as Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams.
Roster Finalization for 2026-27 Season
As of late August 2026, the Suns' roster for the 2026-27 season is largely formed, with a focus on depth, athleticism, and a blend of scoring and defense around Devin Booker.
Follow this story
Get an email when this timeline gets a major update.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Phoenix Suns have navigated a turbulent yet transformative period since 2023, marked by ambitious roster constructions, coaching changes, and a strategic shift in team identity. Under the ownership of Mat Ishbia, who acquired the team in February 2023, the franchise initially pursued a 'Big 3' strategy centered around Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. However, the 2023-24 season proved disappointing, culminating in a 49-33 record and a first-round sweep by the Minnesota Timberwolves, highlighting issues with team chemistry and depth.
This led to a significant overhaul in the 2025 offseason. Head coach Mike Budenholzer, hired in 2024, was fired after just one season, and General Manager James Jones transitioned to a senior advisor role before moving to the NBA league office. Brian Gregory was promoted to General Manager, and Jordan Ott was hired as the new head coach, signaling a fresh direction. The most impactful moves were the trades of Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets and the waiving of Bradley Beal, effectively dismantling the 'Big 3'. In return, the Suns acquired younger talent like Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, along with draft picks, aiming to build a more defensive-oriented and cohesive unit.
The 2025-26 season saw a surprising resurgence for the Suns. Despite initial low expectations (an over/under of 31.5 wins), the team finished with a 45-37 record, securing the 8th seed in the Western Conference via the play-in tournament. This 'bounce-back' season was attributed to improved team chemistry, a stronger defensive effort (improving from 28th to 10th in defensive rating), and the impact of new additions like Dillon Brooks and Collin Gillespie. However, their playoff journey ended in another first-round sweep, this time against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Heading into the 2026-27 season (as of August 2026), the Suns have continued to be active in the offseason. They re-signed key role players Collin Gillespie (four years, $48 million), Jordan Goodwin (three years, $19 million), and Mark Williams (three years, $38 million). A significant trade brought Miles Bridges from the Charlotte Hornets, along with draft picks, in exchange for Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and a future first-round pick. They also signed free agent Luke Kennard for two years, $13 million, and drafted Arizona Wildcat forward Koa Peat at No. 30 overall. The projected starting lineup for 2026-27 features Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams. The team's current status reflects a commitment to building a deeper, more athletic, and defensively capable roster around Devin Booker, while navigating the financial constraints of the luxury tax and limited future draft capital due to previous trades.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Phoenix Suns made different choices?