The Phoenix Suns signing Tyus Jones may be the best move of the offseason. The 28-year-old proved he can thrive as a starter last season after years as an elite reserve. Jones accepting a minimum contract was massive for the Suns and improved their odds of being a serious title contender.
Phoenix put together an exciting Big 3 and hoped to win the championship in 2024. Instead, they finished sixth in the West and were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Suns upgraded their roster, despite having to navigate the NBA’s new spending restrictions, but it was not enough to make them a serious title challenger.
Phoenix still has work to do, but it is unlikely to happen until closer to the deadline. They have holes to plug before making a serious run. The Suns should be on the lookout for these upgrades in the coming months.
4. Depth
Phoenix’s Big 3 all have dealt with injuries in recent years. Kevin Durant played 75 games last season, and Devin Booker appeared in 68. KD has not suited up for more since 2019 and that was the only time since 2014. Booker topped 68 contests played just once since 2017. Bradley Beal missed 29 games last season, and the Suns need plenty of reinforcements.
It appears their Big 3 will be flanked by Jusuf Nurkic and Tyus Jones in the starting five. That leaves Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, Monte Morris, Josh Okogie, and Mason Plumlee as their second unit. There is talent there, but Phoenix quickly runs out of options beyond those ten. The Suns don’t want Nassir Little or Damion Lee being relied on for extended minutes.
The Suns should look to build their depth before the deadline. It likely means trading Okogie or Nurkic for a more trusted playoff option. Phoenix needs the right piece to offer them versatility when the games matter most. Right now, the Suns can only play one way, and it will be their demise if the matchups don’t break right.
3. Forward to add versatility
The Suns are locked into a questionable fit at this stage. Tyus Jones told ESPN he will start at point guard. That puts Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on the wings with Kevin Durant at the four. Jusuf Nurkic is their only starting option in the middle, which leaves Phoenix stuck in that alignment. There are several issues, but none bigger than their inability to change things up.
The Suns should search for a forward capable of filling minutes as a small ball five. They do not want Kevin Durant playing that role, but switching things up could be necessary in the playoffs when things are breaking down.
Mike Budenholzer has his work cut out for him. If Phoenix cannot find someone 6’8-plus capable of operating in multiple positions, they will be stuck using Jusuf Nurkic, Mason Plumlee, or KD at the five in the playoffs. Durant cannot handle many minutes and the others are not ideal postseason players in 2025 when teams will stretch the floor and exploit every weakness.
The Phoenix Suns must find a changeup. Someone who allows them to go small or operate without a traditional point guard on the floor. Those chances to alter a series are massive, but Phoenix has one way to do it right now. They are small outside of Nurkic, which creates other issues for the Suns.
2. Perimeter defense
The Suns desperately need a perimeter stopper in their starting five. Tyus Jones will boost their offense. Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant are elite scorers, but they have performed better next to primary playmakers throughout their careers. Jones will set the table and get everyone involved, but can Phoenix get enough stops?
Beal will likely be asked to guard the opposition’s best player when everyone is healthy. They would love to put a perimeter stopper in their opening group, but that would mean Beal shifting to a sixth-man role. The three-time All-Star is unlikely to accept that gig.
The Suns must have a stopper in their closing lineup. Whether they roll with Jones or Beal flanking Booker, KD, and their center, Phoenix needs someone to guard the other team’s best scorer. Booker and Durant will lock in during clutch time, but the Suns must get stops if they want to be an elite team.
The Phoenix Suns acquired Royce O’Neale to help in this area last season. He could be the option for their closing lineup, but the franchise needs someone capable of guarding point guards like Stephen Curry, Jamal Murray, and Ja Morant. Finding that option with their limited resources will be tough, and their defense may be what prevents the Suns from being a serious threat.
1. Rim protection
Jusuf Nurkic played 76 regular season games last season, which was the first time he played more than 56 since 2019. The 30-year-old has appeared in more than 70 contests just three times in his decade in the NBA. The Suns desperately need Nurkic on the floor as he is the team’s only rim protector.
Phoenix signed Mason Plumlee to back up Nurkic this season. The 34-year-old averaged less than one block per 36 minutes and is not known for his rim protection. Nurkic is far from elite, but he is the Suns' best and only option.
Adding Tyus Jones will take away some of Nurkic’s playmaking chances. It should free him up to rebound and anchor their defense.
The Suns would love a defensive upgrade at the five, but they need another option behind Nurkic. Plumlee is unlikely to get minutes in the playoffs, which leaves Kevin Durant as the backup center without any roster changes. That cannot happen for a title contending team.
The Phoenix Suns have work to do. Owner Mat Ishbia wants his team to be a championship contender. The Suns are not afraid to be bold, but just do not have the assets to make massive moves. Expect Phoenix to try everything possible to improve. They have clear holes, but filling them won’t be easy.