Suns biggest problem after pulling off Kevin Durant trade

Suns’ biggest problem heading in 2025-2026 season:

The Suns currently have five players that can classified as shooting guards: Green, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale. Four of the five names are 6’4 and below and won’t be able to play in the same lineup. None of the guards listed are stellar playmakers and struggle to be the initiator for teammates.

Booker is capable of being that type of player, averaging 7.0 assists the past two seasons. However, the four-time All-Star is at his best when playing off ball and getting the ball on the move. Having a backcourt rotation with four of the guards that aren’t able to be floor generals will just lead to more on the plate for the 28-year-old.

Defensively should be a struggle with the lack of size on the perimeter. Adding Brooks is stellar defensive upgrade but seems to be like putting a band-aid on a broken arm. Outside of Booker, the backcourt rotation are all undersized shooting guards that will struggle when opposing ball handlers are more physical.

The lack of size wouldn’t be as dire of a problem with a defensive anchor center near the rim to help contest any breakdowns on the perimeter. However, Nick Richards hasn’t illustrated he can be that type of player as a starter in his career. Phoenix could add a center with the 10th overall pick, and hope for a Dereck Lively or Kel’el Ware type of breakout rookie season but that is putting a lot of pressure on the incoming prospect.

General manager Brian Gregory is not done tooling the roster, so plenty of time to address the issue at hand. The NBA draft is this Thursday and will be an indicator of where Gregory and his staff are veering towards free agency and other trades with their three picks.