Suns Rise Again: From Superstar Failure to Unexpected Success
From Championship Aspirations to Rock Bottom
The Phoenix Suns entered a turbulent period following the departures of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, a situation that initially appeared dire. After two seasons of underperformance, including an 0-4 sweep in the 2024 playoffs and missing the postseason entirely in 2025, the team found itself at a crossroads. The most expensive team in the league was no longer even speaking to mediocrity.
Ishbia’s Bold Vision and the Durant Experiment
Modern owner Mat Ishbia, upon acquiring the team in December 2022, declared a commitment to winning: We will win in everything we do. I don’t think you can achieve anything with mediocrity.
This ambition led to the acquisition of Durant to pair with Devin Booker, aiming to create a championship-contending Big Three
. However, the experiment ultimately fell short of expectations.
Turning the Page: A Shift in Philosophy
Recognizing the failure of the superstar-centric approach, Ishbia made a decisive change. The Suns traded Durant to the Houston Rockets for Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and draft pick Khaman Maluach. Ishbia stated, We turned that page.
He emphasized a focus on building a culture rooted in grit and hustle
, moving away from simply chasing star power.
Ishbia on the Durant Trade
Valley of the Suns
“What Kevin thinks about his time here is fine,” Ishbia said. “We weren’t successful. And guess what? When things don’t go well, I’m going to make changes to get it to go well — by any means necessary.”
Unexpected Success: A New Identity Emerges
Against all odds, the Suns have begun to exceed expectations. The team, now built around players like Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and Khaman Maluach, is playing with a renewed energy and purpose. This resurgence has brought a sense of optimism back to the franchise, defying predictions of continued struggles.
Ishbia’s Focus on the Current Roster
Valley of the Suns
“We’re focused on our guys now. I love our team. I love Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, Khaman (Maluach) and Rasheer (Fleming), who we got in place of Kevin,” Ishbia said.
The Rockets Deal: A Targeted Approach
The acquisition of Brooks and Green wasn’t accidental. Ishbia specifically targeted these players, believing they would contribute to the desired team culture. He explained, It wasn’t, ‘Hey, how do we fill a salary with these numbers?’ It was, ‘In order to have Kevin Durant on your team, I want Dillon Brooks to help me with my culture and my identity. I want Jalen Green as a 23-year-old up-and-coming leading scorer.
Looking Ahead
The Phoenix Suns’ journey from a failed superstar experiment to a team with renewed hope is a testament to the importance of adaptability and a clear vision. Whereas the past few years have been challenging, the current trajectory suggests a brighter future for the franchise.