Why Phoenix Suns Enjoyed Better Offseason Than Given Credit For

Roughly seven weeks remain until the Phoenix Suns begin the ramp-up until the 2026-27 season with the opening of training camp.

This opens up a nonstop path towards discussing just how successful the offseason has been for the organization. 

While certain aspects of what GM Brian Gregory has done over recent weeks have been praised, one corresponding move has drawn ample criticism. 

Davlid Aldridge of the Athletic ranked Phoenix's offseason performance as 20th in the league, praising certain aspects of the period while also creating pause off of the trade that brought forward Miles Bridges to the Valley.

Phoenix should be lauded for pursuing continuity heavily right off of the bat. Bringing breakout guard Collin Gillespie, infectious personality Jordan Goodwin, and former lottery pick Mark Williams back for less than $30 million annually on average was a steal. Trading back into the first round of the draft to select Koa Peat is already sizing up to age well.

The one move that gives Aldridge pause is the parting of the 2033 first round pick as part of the Bridges trade. This is largely due to Phoenix's lack of control over their first round picks, however there is data that suggests that Bridges will provide positives that will generate a higher ceiling for the Suns.

Phoenix sits below franchises such as the Sacramento Kings, Detroit Pistons, and Houston Rockets in this ranking - this is something that doesn't sit right at the surface. Houston made two nimble signings (Bogdan Bogdanovic, Marcus Smart) and took a flyer on Bruce Thornton in the draft. However, it can be argued that Houston didn't take enough swings to be considered over the Suns. 

Detroit did much of the same, as they brought in talented players such as forward John Collins and sharpshooting guard Isaiah Joe. The franchise also faces a continued standstill with free agent center Jalen Duren, however, and they haven't taken a major swing that differentiates them.

Sacramento did pick up some intriguing players in the draft (G Darius Acuff Jr., F Alex Karaban, more) - but they also retained Zach LaVine and are rostering more questionable contracts compared to the Suns at the moment. 

All in all, Phoenix hasn't had a perfect offseason - far from it. Despite this, the continuity factor, the signing of guard Luke Kennard, and continued savvy work in the NBA Draft should gift them higher placements in offseason rankings.