The Phoenix Suns might have parted ways with Kevin Durant this summer, but that doesn't mean that it is all doom and gloom in The Valley. In fact if you take to any social media site that houses Suns fans, you'll have noticed a kind of cautious optimism about the future.
Make no mistake, this is a team that is going to lose games and may not even make the play-in tournament. But not only have fans seemingly embraced this, they're almost looking forward to it if it means the team will show some fight and togetherness. Intangibles that were painfully lacking while Durant was in Phoenix.
Several Suns players will improve now that Durant is gone.
The departure of the 36-year-old means there are a lot more shots, touches and minutes to go round, and three Suns in particular are seriously going to profit from this. It is impossible to replace what Durant brought to the Suns - but if nothing else - the change in direction is going to allow these three players to really shine next season. This will be important for different reasons.
3. Devin Booker
Beginning with the obvious, and this is now firmly Devin Booker's team once more. He did a brilliant job of sharing the spotlight with Durant - and had no problem deferring to him in big moments - but that is not the best use of Booker's amazing offensive talents. He needs a co-star who brings out the best in him - such as Chris Paul - and not somebody who wants to take over down the stretch.
Armed with a two-year, $145 million extension, the belief is that Booker could be primed for his best season in Phoenix yet. He's in his prime and can have the ball as much as he wants, and the fact he wasn't even named an All-Star last season is something he is surely going to want to correct. The midseason exhibition might be largely a popularity contest, but that's kind of the point.
Booker has been forgotten about in terms of what he can do on the court, but also as a mainstream figure off it. His Team USA role a year ago was admirable, but that version of Book has to go away forever now. Booker has had a career high in assists the last two seasons - the two full campaigns Durant was in town - now it is time for him to replicate that but in scoring each night.
2. Grayson Allen
This one might not seem important, but it is in the Suns' best interests to get swingman Grayson Allen contributing again at the highest level possible next season. That's assuming he makes it through the offseason - no guarantees there - and if he departs you could substitute Royce O'Neale in here instead.
Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale was briefly discussed as a trade package involving Jonathan Kuminga from the Warriors but the Warriors were not fond of Allen’s contract which is currently ~$17M a year for the next three years. Suns tried to land Kuminga in February.
— Ray Almeda (@rayalmeda) July 21, 2025
But the Suns need Allen to potentially step into a sixth-man role because we've seen in the past him lead the entire league in 3-point shooting. If he can get close to that 46.1 percent number once again, then it would make life a lot easier for Booker and Jalen Green. Although Durant occupied so much of opponent's game plans, there's reason to believe Allen can flourish even more without him.
Defenders will still spend a lot of time on Booker and Allen, while Khaman Maluach and Mark Williams bring a new center dimension that will benefit Allen too. More shots and minutes will improve his trade value, which should still be the ultimate goal here. It was selfless of Allen to take a step back when Tyus Jones joined last season, now is the time to take on an increased role again.
1. Jalen Green
This one is a double-edged sword - because although Booker signed the extension - there is still more pressure on Green to succeed as he is the literal replacement for Durant. He will forever be known as the headlining player the Suns got back for Durant - with respect to Dillon Brooks - and he'll be expected to put up 20 a night early.
The fit next to Booker is still cause for concern, especially if this rumored plan is what the organization ends up doing with Green. He's 23-years-old, will be starting from day one and put up 38 points in a playoff game against the Golden State Warriors last season. On a re-tooling roster this looks like the perfect for Green really finally pop.
He'll be given time and touches to try and achieve this, although it would be ideal if he could improve his 3-point shooting on the 35.4 percent of a season ago. A new head coach in Jordan Ott can only help Green as well - as unlike Durant who has a ton of experience in the league - he will surely be opening to do whatever it takes to help the team. Pressure yes, but still an ideal situation sans Durant.