Predicting when every member of Suns' starting 5 might leave

The Phoenix Suns are coming off a disappointing season but may be stuck. The NBA’s new second tax apron rules limit their flexibility. James Jones and the front office made some regrettable moves, but none bigger than trading for Bradley Beal. His no-trade clause likely keeps him in Phoenix, so how do the Suns get into title contention?

They hope new head coach Mike Budenholzer can get more from this roster. The Suns have three elite talents and some quality role players. Their depth is a question, but Phoenix will try to get difference-makers on minimum contracts. If the Suns do not win more, changes may be forced.

Kevin Durant is no stranger to requesting a trade. Devin Booker is the only member of their current starting five who has only played for one team. New owner Mat Ishbia plans on bringing a championship to Phoenix. If they can't, changes will be made, so when do their current starters leave the organization?

Grayson Allen

Allen just signed a four-year $70 million extension that keeps under contract until at least 2027. The 6’4 wing was a throw-in on the Deandre Ayton trade but led the NBA by shooting 46.1 percent from 3-point range in 2024. The Suns need shooters around their Big 3, and Allen is elite in that area.

Increasing his salary makes him more likely to be traded. Under the new rules, teams over the second tax apron cannot aggregate salaries in a trade or take back additional money. Dealing away expensive players is the easiest path to adding talent, which could make for some wild short-term deals in the near future.

Allen will be traded in 2025

The Suns give it one more shot with some fresh additions, but the result is the same. They struggle to stay healthy and crash out early in the playoffs. To appease their stars, Allen is traded in the summer of 2025. He is not the first player of their current starting five moved, though.