The Phoenix Suns and Kevin Durant suffered possibly the biggest disappointment of the 2024 NBA playoffs when they were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Many anticipate big changes in Phoenix after their early postseason elimination. According to reports, the Suns aren’t planning to let go of their star forward, though.
Following their offseason acquisition of talented shooting guard Bradley Beal, Phoenix was considered a possible contender in the Western Conference. But Kevin Durant, Beal, and Devin Booker, the team’s Big 3, had trouble developing rapport.
Throughout the whole season, the Suns were centered in the middle of the Western Conference. As per the NBA standings, they ended up sixth (49–33) with a top–10 offensive rating (116.8) and 13th-place defensive rating (113.7).
Their first-round matchup against the league’s best defensive club, Minnesota, exposed their shortcomings. Phoenix was the first team out of the playoffs because they could not match the Timberwolves’ size and depth. Due to the long-term contracts of Durant, Booker, and Beal, Phoenix’s roster does not have much opportunity for development. They are due $150.7 million next season, with a projected salary cap of $141 million.
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Phoenix Suns Expected to Keep Kevin Durant While Making Some Coaching Changes in the Team
Phoenix is considering changing coaches, even if they aren’t discussing a deal for Kevin Durant. Vogel recently concluded his debut campaign as Suns head coach. Meanwhile, he has led the Los Angeles Lakers to the 2020 championship, giving him championship experience.
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But with Kevin Durant’s annoyances and Phoenix’s lackluster postseason performance, the team has to choose whether to let Vogel go after just one year of his $31 million, five-year contract.
If not, the Suns’ greatest off-season additions will probably be bargain-bin signings of experienced players on periphery rosters in free agency.
Also Read: “It’s a Tough League” – Devin Booker Speaks to Phoenix Suns’ Post-Season Struggles
