Phoenix Suns 2026-2027 NBA Preseason Preview

Suns Biggest Offseason Loss: Grayson Allen

In the offseason, the Suns didn’t have many losses. Phoenix made small changes to their roster construction, but kept most of the core together. 

However, the Suns traded veteran wing Grayson Allen to the Charlotte Hornets. After three seasons in Phoenix, Allen was one of the better three-point shooters in the NBA. He’s now a member of the Charlotte Hornets in a package deal that brings Miles Bridges to Phoenix. 

Allen, despite being regarded as a top three-point shooter, struggled last season. He posted a 34.9% 3-point percentage, an 8% dip from the season prior. Allen was not only a shooter but also a catalyst for the team’s energy. His high motor and competitiveness spread to his teammates, igniting some of their games. 

Allen is a necessary loss for the Suns, as in return, Phoenix acquired Miles Bridges and a 2029 1st-round pick. Phoenix lacks many first-round picks in the near-term, so being able to acquire one in the deal was exceptional. 

Suns Biggest Offseason Addition: Koa Peat

Phoenix in the 2026 NBA draft traded up and selected a player they felt was worthy: Koa Peat, the 19-year-old from the University of Arizona. The Suns selected him with the 30th pick, after trading up with the New York Knicks, keeping Peat in his home state of Arizona. 

Peat is a great addition for the Suns, as he molds with the team’s playstyle. He showcased what he can do over the summer in a major way. In Summer League, Peat averaged 16.8 points per game, along with accumulating eight stocks in the four games he played. 

Peat is a promising young prospect for Phoenix. Despite being the last pick of the first round, there is a lot of unseen potential from him. Suns fans should be excited to see him in action this season. 

Suns’ Best-Case Scenario Outcome

The Phoenix Suns are in a tough spot, given how competitive the Western Conference has become. A best-case scenario for any team is a championship, but Phoenix has to be realistic about what constitutes a successful season. 

Last season, Phoenix finished 45-37 and snuck into the playoffs as the eighth seed. The Suns were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder, garnering zero playoff wins. Given their regular-season record, the results were still a pleasant surprise to some fans. 

Now, in this scenario, Phoenix takes it even further, finishing with 50-plus wins. The Suns stay consistent in close games and win a playoff series.

Jalen Green shines in his second full season with the Suns, stepping up as a consistent scorer. Phoenix will also see progression from young players like Khaman Maluach and Koa Peat, along with Devin Booker finally receiving consistent performances from a supporting cast. Booker claims All-NBA status in 2027 and leads Phoenix to a top-five seed in the Western Conference. 

Suns’ Worst-Case Scenario Outcome

Now, let’s flip the script in a scenario where the Suns display the complete opposite of what progression looks like. 

The Phoenix Suns would be among the bottom five teams in the Western Conference, while missing their own 1st-round pick this season. Instead, they own the least favorable first-round pick from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, or Minnesota Timberwolves (acquired via a prior trade with Utah). 

Along with a lackluster record, Devin Booker would be to the point where he requests a trade. Booker doesn’t mesh well with any of the young players and decides he wants to be in a winning situation. 

Jalen Green, Koa Peat, and Khaman Maluach would disappoint as well, showing negative progression. Head coach Jordan Ott doesn’t have an answer for the team’s struggles throughout the season. 

Suns Biggest Question for the 2026-2027 Season

Will Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks remain consistent?

The biggest issue the Suns have had in recent years has been consistency. Booker has great averages, but he doesn’t always perform to the All-NBA status some people hold him to.  Green is a great scorer, but there are some nights when he shoots 20% from the field. Brooks is also inconsistent, competitively and emotionally. 

Some of the best teams in the NBA have consistent performances from their top players, granting them the edge in close games. Devin Booker specifically has to get back to a consistent all-star showcase. Booker has been an extremely valuable player in the past, leading Phoenix to the finals in 2021. 

Booker has to rediscover that form of himself this season, with an underrated supporting cast surrounding him. If he shines and stays consistent, it’ll spread to Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, along with young pieces like Koa Peat and Khaman Maluach. Jordan Ott presents opportunity and success for the Suns.

If the players can grasp that, Phoenix will thrive.