When the most disappointing team in the NBA for 2023-24 is brought up, the Phoenix Suns should be the response every time.
Yes, the Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets had abysmal records. Their expectations also weren’t in the same stratosphere as Phoenix entering the season.
A team featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal should have been able to overcome any depth deficiencies, right?
That surely wasn’t the case. The Suns have been unceremoniously bounced from the playoffs in the opening round. The Minnesota Timberwolves won Game 4 122-116, sweeping the Suns out of the postseason.
Phoenix now enters an offseason where payroll restraints make it hard to see how they can greatly improve.
Phoenix Suns Offseason: Hard to See How They Can Improve
Where Will the Suns Select in the First Round?
While Phoenix has traded away a boatload of future draft selections, they own their 2024 first-round pick. It will be the 22nd overall pick.
While this is not expected to be one of the better drafts, it may be wise for the Suns to select someone ready to play now rather than a project. Since it will be hard for them to bring in notable free agents, garnering a rotation piece in the draft is of utmost importance.
The Suns’ second-round pick belongs to the Wizards, who acquired it in the Beal trade.
What Key Free Agents Does Phoenix Have?
Phoenix’s most notable unrestricted free agent in the offseason is forward Royce O’Neale. Acquired in early February, the Suns can go over the cap and tax aprons to re-sign him since they have his Bird rights. According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, even bringing O’Neale back for $10 million next season would cost the team a whopping $55 million in tax penalties.
The Suns also have four players with player options for 2024-25. They are Eric Gordon ($3.3 million), Josh Okogie ($2.9 million), Damion Lee ($2.8 million), and Drew Eubanks ($2.6 million).
Gordon was often the first man off the bench for Phoenix this season, while Eubanks normally was the first reserve big man to come in. Okogie appeared in all four playoff games (7.3 MPG) and started 11 games in the regular season.
Regardless of what these four decide to do with their player options, Phoenix will only have the veterans minimum exception to offer free agents, just like last offseason.
Will the Big Change Occur In the Head Coaching Position?
It will be nearly impossible for the Suns to make a big splash. Barring an unforeseen trade of Durant, Booker, or Beal, Phoenix could look to make a head coaching change.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported yesterday that head coach Frank Vogel’s job could be in jeopardy. Wojnarowski mentioned the exorbitant payroll and falling well short of expectations as reasons for this. His statement was made prior to Phoenix’s Game 4 loss.
It would be the second straight year the Suns fired their head coach after the season. Monty Williams was canned after Phoenix lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
