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After exceeding expectations a season ago, the Phoenix Suns are setting their sights higher for the 2026-27 NBA campaign. Head coach Jordan Ott, who made a significant impact in his first year, is now preparing for his second season in the Valley. The team has made several roster adjustments to provide veteran star Devin Booker with a stronger supporting cast.
Booker, entering his 12th season with the Suns, remains one of the league's premier shooting guards. Last season, he averaged 26.1 points per game, continuing his reputation as an elite scorer. As Phoenix looks to shake up the Western Conference, they once again have an opportunity to surprise teams across the association.
Roster Overview
The projected 15-man roster for the 2026-27 season includes: Devin Booker (PG), Jalen Green (SG), Dillon Brooks (SF), Miles Bridges (PF), Khaman Maluach (C), with a bench featuring Collin Gillespie, Luke Kennard, Jordan Goodwin, Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro, Jamaree Bouyea, and Haywood.
Biggest Offseason Loss: Grayson Allen
Phoenix made only minor changes to its roster, keeping most of the core intact. However, the Suns traded veteran wing Grayson Allen to the Charlotte Hornets. During his three seasons in Phoenix, Allen established himself as one of the NBA's better three-point shooters, though he struggled last season with a 34.9% mark from beyond the arc—an 8% drop from the previous year. Beyond his shooting, Allen was a catalyst for the team's energy, with his high motor and competitiveness igniting his teammates.
Allen's departure was necessary to acquire Miles Bridges and a 2029 first-round pick from Charlotte. Given Phoenix's lack of near-term first-round picks, securing one in the deal was a significant win.
As reported by Shams Charania: "The Charlotte Hornets are trading Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and a 2033 first-round pick."
Biggest Offseason Addition: Koa Peat
In the 2026 NBA draft, Phoenix traded up with the New York Knicks to select Koa Peat, a 19-year-old from the University of Arizona, with the 30th pick. Peat, who stays in his home state, fits well with the Suns' playstyle. He impressed in Summer League, averaging 16.8 points per game and accumulating eight stocks (steals plus blocks) in four games. Despite being the last pick of the first round, Peat possesses considerable unseen potential, and fans should be excited to see him in action.
Best-Case Scenario
The Western Conference is as competitive as ever, but a best-case scenario for Phoenix would involve finishing with 50-plus wins, staying consistent in close games, and winning a playoff series. Jalen Green could shine in his second full season with the Suns, emerging as a consistent scorer. Young players like Khaman Maluach and Koa Peat would show progression, while Devin Booker finally receives steady support from his teammates. Booker could claim All-NBA honors in 2027 and lead Phoenix to a top-five seed in the West.
Booker is ranked 20th in ESPN's NBA Top 100 list, four spots lower than last season, based on predicted contributions for 2026-27.
Worst-Case Scenario
In a worst-case scenario, the Suns would be among the bottom five teams in the Western Conference and would miss their own first-round pick, instead owning the least favorable first-round pick from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, or Minnesota Timberwolves (acquired via a prior trade with Utah). Devin Booker might request a trade, feeling he doesn't mesh well with the young players and wanting to be in a winning situation. Jalen Green, Koa Peat, and Khaman Maluach would disappoint with negative progression, and head coach Jordan Ott would have no answers for the team's struggles.
Biggest Question: Consistency
The biggest question for the Suns is whether Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks can remain consistent. Consistency has been a major issue for Phoenix in recent years. Booker has great averages but doesn't always perform to All-NBA standards. Green is a talented scorer but has nights when he shoots 20% from the field. Brooks is also inconsistent, both competitively and emotionally.
The best teams in the NBA get consistent performances from their top players, giving them an edge in close games. Booker, in particular, must return to a consistent All-Star form. He has been extremely valuable in the past, leading Phoenix to the Finals in 2021. If he can rediscover that level, it could rub off on Green, Brooks, and young pieces like Peat and Maluach. Jordan Ott presents an opportunity for success; if the players can grasp it, Phoenix will thrive.
Originally reported by yahoo.