Although the last era of Phoenix Suns' basketball did not work out, there is reason for optimism regarding their future. Devin Booker committing to the franchise for the rest of the decade was a great place to start, while the addition of a 23-year-old offensive firecracker in Jalen Green should also excite the fanbase.
Next season is going to be a re-tooling one - making the play-in tournament is far from a certainty at this point - but Booker, Green and company are at least giving some of the joy back to the fanbase. With some young players and Dillon Brooks on hand to lead the charge defensively, there is cautious optimism surrounding just how impactful Green can be out the gate in The Valley.
Green waived his trade bonus to make Kevin Durant trade happen.
Lost in the shuffle of Kevin Durant being traded to the Houston Rockets, was the fact that Green had a $6.9 million trade bonus. Money that he would still have gotten had he been re-routed during that insane seven-team trade that landed Durant in Texas, but which is no longer the case with Green staying in Phoenix. Which meant he waived that money in order for the Durant deal to happen.
That's a selfless act from Green - who clearly was also looking for a change of scenery - and he has been presented with an excellent opportunity to showcase his talent in The Valley. Although both he and Booker play the same position, already General Manager Brian Gregory has spoken about reviving the "Point Booker" experiment from before, although Green too could see more of the ball.
There hasn't been as much talk about Green having point guard duties, and right now that doesn't look like a smart use of his talents either. But where else was he going to get the chance to play with a superstar in Booker, while also having the face of the team potentially move position once again in order to fit him into the starting lineup?
Jalen Green giving out buckets at Phoenix Suns shootaround pic.twitter.com/1v8e1Fxm38
— NBA Draft Dude 🤙 (@CoreyTulaba) July 11, 2025
On top of that - if an opportunity presents itself for Green to set his teammates up some - which we have not seen from him to this point in his career, his value would rapidly increase. Both because the Suns need a long-term point guard for their roster, but it would also entice other teams to enquire about Green as well.
It was clear Green had to get out of Houston - and in waiving his trade bonus - he is now in the best place for him to excel. There are sure to be some bumpy nights along the road - but given that he's already hung 38 on the Golden State Warriors in a playoff game - there is reason to be optimistic about what he will bring to Phoenix next season.