Phoenix Suns opened the preseason with a 103-81 win over the Lakers, flashing Jordan Ott’s pressure defense and a multi-weapon offense that aims to empower every passer. Devin Booker led with 24 points and 7 assists, while Grayson Allen and Dillon Brooks spaced the floor and pressed on defense. The bench—Gillespie, Richards, O’Neale, Hayes-Davis—provided depth, and rookie Maluach flashed late with a dunk.

Booker’s playmaking and off-ball creativity set the tone as the Suns teased more action through Durant and Beal when healthy. Extended looks went to Ighodaro, Maluach and Fleming as they prepare for two China exhibitions against the Nets, testing rotations and depth for a longer season.

The Suns head into 2025-26 still seeking a true lead guard after Tyus Jones left for Orlando, pushing Devin Booker to anchor a multi-guard attack with Jalen Green if he starts at point. With Durant and Beal moved on, Phoenix bets its offense on Booker’s playmaking, Green’s growth, and Collin Gillespie stepping up as a reliable secondary ballhandler. New coach Jordan Ott must weave a flexible system around a roster that features combo guards like Goodwin and Butler while keeping a center-centered floor for offense to flourish without a traditional facilitator.

Jordan Ott’s Suns era prioritizes defense over flashy offense in year one, aiming to build an identity from scratch with 11 new faces. A fan poll shows 82% favor defense as the higher priority, and owner Mat Ishbia pushes culture and consistency as the foundation. If the defense holds, transition opportunities and late-game calm should follow, even as questions remain about scoring efficiency.

Fantasy angles tilt toward defensive versatility and roster turnover driving steadier floor outcomes. A stout defense can unlock reliable fantasy value from role players as offenses stagnate, setting the stage for a more stable Suns profile despite early growing pains.

The Phoenix Suns are making significant changes to their roster and front office this offseason. After parting ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer, they appointed Jordan Ott as their new coach. Notably, James Jones was demoted from his role as president of basketball operations, with Brian Gregory stepping in as the new general manager. In a blockbuster trade, the Suns sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, acquiring Jalen Green and a notable number of draft picks in return.

While speculation arose regarding a potential trade involving guard Devin Booker, he put those rumors to rest by signing a two-year, $145 million max extension, securing his place with the Suns through the 2029-30 season. Booker's excitement was palpable as he expressed his joy on social media, reaffirming his commitment to the franchise that drafted him in 2015. As the face of the Suns, Booker will continue to lead the team, especially after averaging a career-high 7.1 assists last season, possibly transitioning into a more facilitative role.

The Phoenix Suns are undergoing significant changes after a disappointing 36-46 season that saw them miss the playoffs. The first major move was the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer, who was let go just one season into a five-year, $50 million contract. The franchise's owner, Mat Ishbia, has appointed Brian Gregory as the new general manager, tasking him with reshaping the coaching staff.

With the hiring of Gregory, the Suns have appointed Jordan Ott as their head coach, hoping to improve from last season’s No. 11 seed finish. Ott is well-connected to the franchise, having ties to Michigan State, where both he and Ishbia studied. Additionally, the Suns are reportedly interested in bringing former Lakers coach Darvin Ham into their coaching staff to provide support to the rookie coach.