Sports360AZ
Story by Bruce Cooper
I don’t know the new Phoenix Suns general manager, Brian Gregory, but as always, I’m here to lend a helping hand. With that said, let me borrow the GM’s hat for a moment and lay the groundwork for this very important offseason of change and growth.
Let’s start with naming a new head coach. Owner Mat Ishbia elevated Gregory to GM in large part because of familiarity and their long-standing relationship. Gregory understands that Ishbia very much wants to be a hands-on owner. It’s his job to establish that identity, grit and culture that the owner states that he wants Suns fans to identify Suns teams by. To best pull that off it is best that Gregory hires a coach that knows first-hand what the owner desires. That would be assistant David Fizdale, who is familiar with Ishbia and his vision having worked with the previous two Suns head coaches, Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer. Had the Suns hired outside the organization for a new GM I, likewise, think it would have been best to hire outside the organization for a new head coach. Instead, familiarity and relationship won out with the GM position and so it will be at the head coaching position.
Next let’s deal with our own free agents. Let’s start by renouncing the rights to guard Vasilije Micic and forward Cody Martin. Next sign point guard Collin Gillespie to standard four-year contract. I see Gillespie as the Suns starting point guard of the future.
Another order of business is to waive and stretch the $110 million contract of guard Bradley Beal. Then there’s the biggie! The trading of future hall of famer Kevin Durant. There are numerous interested teams and lots of rumors to boot.
But it’s this trade with the Houston Rockets that I think serves the Suns best:
Suns trade Durant to the Rockets. In exchange the Suns receive center Steven Adams (via sign and trade—2-years $30 million), wing Dillion Brooks, forward Jabari Smith Jr. and the 10th overall pick in the 2025 draft (a pick originally owned by the Suns that was sent to Brooklyn in the acquisition of Durant).
Suns trade Grayson Allen to the Charlotte Hornets for second round pick #34 overall in 2025 draft.
Suns trade Royce O’Neale to the San Antonio Spurs for second round pick in 2026 draft.
The Suns are now adequately positioned under the second tax apron.
2025 NBA draft:
First Round
10th overall pick via Rockets
Rasheer Fleming-6’9, 240-forward-St. Joes (he has a 7’5 wingspan, very athletic, plays above the rim, can shoot the three and disrupt and block shots defensively).
29th overall pick via Jazz through Cavs
Chaz Lanier-6’5, 205-shooting guard-Tennessee (he’s a sharpshooter who can also attack the rim. He made 229 (3’s) over the last two seasons. Will help replace the shooting of Allen and O’Neale).
Second Round
34th overall pick via Hornets through Pelicans
Jaxson Robinson-6’6, 210-wing-Kentucky (he’s a sharpshooter but missed the Wildcats postseason due to wrist surgery. Helps replace the shooting of Allen and O’Neale)
52nd overall pick via Nuggets
Mark Sears-6’1, 190-point guard-Alabama (reminds me of the Knicks Jalen Brunson. He’s a playmaker, good 3-point shooter and plays with toughness)
Outside Free agent
Would love to sign veteran point guard Dennis Schroder but not sure if he’s willing to sign for mid-level exception (available under the second apron).
Suns Roster
Center—Steven Adams, Oso Ighodaro, Nick Richards
Power Forward– Jabari Smith Jr., Rasheer Fleming
Small Forward—Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn, Jalen Bridges (2-way contract)
Shooting Guard—Devin Booker, Chaz Lanier, Jaxson Robinson
Point Guard—Collin Gillespie, Mark Sears, Ty Ty Washington Jr. (2-way contract)
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