The Phoenix Suns face a pivotal offseason as uncertainty surrounds Kevin Durant’s future with the team. Approaching his 37th birthday, Durant remains a highly skilled competitor, concluding the 2024-25 NBA season with solid averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting efficiently at 52.7% from the field, 43.0% from three-point range, and 83.9% from the free-throw line. Despite Durant’s standout performance, the Suns failed to secure a playoff spot, prompting the franchise to explore a strategy shift focused on reducing luxury tax expenses and overhauling the roster.
Jabari Smith Emerges as a Key Trade Prospect
Amid this atmosphere of change, the Suns’ interest has turned toward younger players who could form the foundation of a refreshed team lineup. John Gambadoro, a respected Phoenix sports analyst, has singled out Jabari Smith as a highly attractive option. Smith, the third overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Auburn, has displayed notable talent early in his career. Gambadoro emphasized,
The best young player that I think you might be able to get in any of these deals is Jabari Smith, man. This kid’s good. The Suns could use a power forward. They really could.
—John Gambadoro, Sports Analyst
Despite his promise, Smith faced challenges in the 2024-25 season with the Houston Rockets, appearing in 57 games but starting in only 39. He recorded career-lows with averages of 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. His shooting efficiency also declined, with 43.8% from the field and 35.4% from three-point territory, reflecting a season that stalled his early momentum.
The Possibility of a Renewed Opportunity
Even with recent setbacks, Smith’s upside remains a key consideration for the Suns. A new environment could reinvigorate his development and allow his skills to flourish. For Phoenix, acquiring Smith would not only address a positional need but also align with a longer-term vision centered on youth and growth. The franchise sees potential in Smith to become a foundational player as they aim to reestablish competitiveness.
What’s Next for the Suns Franchise?
The decision regarding Durant’s continuation with the Suns will be a decisive factor in charting the team’s future. Moving on from the veteran star would indicate a commitment to rebuilding around emerging talents like Smith, signaling a shift toward a younger, more cost-effective roster. Conversely, keeping Durant could mean balancing his veteran leadership with carefully integrated youth players to contend immediately.
The coming weeks are set to be critical as Phoenix evaluates their options and considers the league-wide implications of their choices. Whether the Suns undertake a comprehensive rebuild or pursue a more gradual transformation, their actions will influence the NBA’s competitive landscape. For now, the franchise stands at a crossroads, and the pathway they choose will profoundly shape the team’s trajectory in the seasons ahead.