Phoenix Burnout: Suns’ Superteam Gamble Ends in Flames

The 2024–25 Phoenix Suns season didn’t just fall short of expectations – it face-planted in front of the entire NBA. After assembling a superteam that looked great on paper and even better on Instagram, the Suns limped to a 35-45 record, missed the playoffs entirely, and became the poster child for why buying a team is no substitute for building one.

Let’s be real: trying to fast-track a championship with three max-contract superstars and a revolving door of role players was always risky. But Mat Ishbia didn't just gamble—he doubled down. The result? A bloated payroll, no depth, zero chemistry, and one very awkward exit interview season.

On paper, you’d think a trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal could carry a team to the top of the West. Instead, they spent more time rehabbing and recalibrating than playing cohesive basketball. The team’s 3-10 record in February and brutal 6-games-below-.500 finish say it all. New coach Mike Budenholzer couldn’t patch the holes left by a roster thrown together like a last-minute fantasy draft.

And while individual milestones like Booker becoming the Suns' all-time leading scorer or Durant hitting 30,000 career points are nice, they don't mean much when you're golfing in May.

The quotes? Oh, they’re rich. Booker remains loyal, vowing to win in Phoenix. Admirable. But he also said that during every other failed run. Durant says he wants to end his career on his own terms—which, let’s be honest, sounds more like a warning than a commitment. And Beal? He says he wants to win, but he's also "open" to changes. Translation: if there's a team out there that can get him a ring, he’s already packing his bags.

The offseason is now a minefield. Booker is the lone sacred cow (per Ishbia: "Never happen"). But Durant has trade value and one year left. Beal has a no-trade clause but might waive it to escape the mess. Budenholzer’s job? Not guaranteed. And with limited draft capital and salary cap hell, there are no easy fixes. The front office will talk about “pivoting and reloading,” but what this team really needs is a full system reset.

Remember that 2024 first-round pick they owe Houston? Yeah, that might just turn into a lottery pick. More salt in the wound.

Here’s the kicker: while teams like Denver, OKC, and even Minnesota were building cultures, developing talent, and growing together, Phoenix was chasing headlines. Now they're left with regret, max contracts, and a whole lot of questions. If you were skeptical of the Big Three experiment from the start, feel free to say it loud now: you told them so.

Unless this offseason delivers a miracle, the Suns are on track to become the most expensive cautionary tale in recent NBA history.