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Two Players the Phoenix Suns Must Cut Ties With
After Another Disappointing Season, NBA Rumors Are Heating up That the Suns Could Trade One of Their Stars
Who Should Leave?
The Phoenix Suns’ 2024-25 season was a major disappointment, and now it has officially ended in embarrassment. The Suns missed the playoffs and didn’t even make the play-in tournament.
Given the expectations entering the season, this result is unacceptable and nothing short of a disaster. With a Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, an 11th-place finish with a 36-46 record is unacceptable—and serious changes are expected.
To the best fans in the NBA — Thank you 💜🧡 pic.twitter.com/xEPH8fYwsM
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 13, 2025
As reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and other NBA news outlets, the first move the Suns made was firing head coach Mike Budenholzer. Some of the front office may be next. That said, roster moves are also inevitable. Beal’s name looms large, as he‘s just not been a good fit in Phoenix. Beal has a no-trade clause, and he wants to stay, but his departure seems inevitable.
BREAKING: The Phoenix Suns have fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after finishing in 11th place with a 36-46 record in his one season, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ocySLmWDQI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 14, 2025
The Suns released the following statement on X:
“Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season. Our fans deserve better. Change is needed.”
OFFICIAL: The Phoenix Suns announced today that the organization has relieved head coach Mike Budenholzer of his duties.
The Suns released the following statement:
Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season. Our fans deserve…— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 14, 2025
A Complete Failure
Tyus Jones’ stint in Phoenix couldn’t have gone worse. Jones signed for the veteran minimum, hoping to boost his market value ahead of free agency while contributing to an NBA Championship contender. Instead, he lost his starting point guard job midway through the season and finished the year disillusioned with his role.
Jones averaged 10.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 26.8 minutes over 81 games (58 starts).
Man, we don’t want you off the team Slim, but what other options we got? We can’t just run it back, and you’ll get us the best return. Respectfully.
— Cameron (@camthescientist) April 13, 2025
Originally, Jones was supposed to play well enough to price himself out of Phoenix, as the Suns were limited to offering only the minimum due to second-apron restrictions. Right now, that doesn’t matter. Even if Jones draws midlevel interest elsewhere, he has no desire to return to the Suns, and the feeling is mutual.
A surprising name who should leave the team is Kevin Durant. The two-time NBA champion missed Sunday’s season finale against the Kings due to a left ankle sprain, and he seemed to signal his impending exit with cryptic X posts before the game. At 36 years old, Durant knows time is running out for one last NBA Championship run, and Phoenix clearly isn’t the place to do it.
Respectfully 🤝🏿
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) April 13, 2025
What’s Next for KD?
The Suns explored moving Durant at the trade deadline, and NBA rumors suggest the team will likely revisit those talks this summer. While there have been whispers of a potential two-year extension, it’s unclear why Phoenix would commit to more years when a reset is clearly needed.
Durant may want to secure a new deal before leaving, but the smarter move for the Suns is to start over now and get assets in return while they still can.
The Phoenix Suns are the ONLY NBA team not in the playoffs, play-in, or draft lottery 😭 pic.twitter.com/RYC0H6VFQs
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) April 10, 2025
Durant isn’t the root of the Suns’ collapse and struggles to win NBA games. Depth issues, the Beal trade, and poor roster construction deserve more blame, but moving him is one of the first steps toward salvaging the future. What it means for Booker’s long-term outlook is still unknown, but it’s now undeniable: Mat Ishbia’s all-in gamble has failed.
