The Phoenix Suns pulled off a surprise last season by clinching a playoff spot, doing so under the guidance of first-year head coach Jordan Ott, who quickly established a strong defensive identity. Ott deserves plenty of credit for rallying a team of stars like Devin Booker, alongside seasoned veterans and promising young talent, to achieve this feat. However, the standout figure over the past year for the Suns has been Brian Gregory, their General Manager.
Gregory, who stepped into the GM role without prior experience, initially raised eyebrows with his appointment, largely due to his connections with owner Mat Ishbia from their Michigan days. Yet, Gregory has proven to be more than capable, handling the pressures of the position with finesse.
While the Kevin Durant trade seemed destined to happen before Gregory's tenure, its execution could have easily gone awry, potentially placing the blame squarely on his shoulders. Instead, Gregory adeptly navigated the situation, ultimately securing Dillon Brooks in the process.
The decision to stretch-and-waive Bradley Beal, though tough, was a necessary move, and it might turn out to be a savvy decision in the coming weeks.
Gregory's moves to retain Jordan Goodwin and elevate Collin Gillespie also paid dividends, with both players now secured in The Valley for the long haul thanks to their contract extensions. Additionally, Gregory's choice to trade up in the draft for Koa Peat, although still too early to fully evaluate, has already won over the fanbase with Peat's promising introductory press conference.
The only questionable move in Gregory's otherwise stellar year was the trade for center Mark Williams. The deal was made with the understanding that an extension would likely be necessary, and while the recent three-year, $38 million guarantee was surprising, it ultimately resulted in a team-friendly contract, marking yet another win for Gregory.
The Suns appeared to be in a tough spot following the Durant situation, and bringing in Gregory initially seemed like a gamble. However, his strategic decisions and adept management have breathed new life into the franchise, positioning them well for future success.
In Other News...
Suns Still Have One Massive Move Left To Make
The Suns latest swing came with the addition of Miles Bridges from Charlotte, a move that only added to the sense that this roster is still being built in layers. Phoenix has been aggressive in trying to reshape its core, and every new piece seems to invite another question about how far the front office is willing to go to keep the push going.
One name that continues to linger in league chatter is Ja Morant, who has reportedly been available since the trade deadline and remains one of the more intriguing possibilities if Phoenix keeps hunting for another major upgrade. The fit would naturally raise bigger questions about the Suns backcourt rotation and what kind of guard-heavy package they might be willing to consider, but for now it remains a rumor with plenty of moving parts and no transaction to point to yet. [Read more 🡒]
Miles Bridges Arrival Could Set Up The Suns Move Fans Want
Miles Bridges arrival in Phoenix has already changed the board for the Suns, at least in a roster-building sense. The move opens up a spot and keeps the front office active at a time when the team still looks like its searching for the right backcourt fit alongside Devin Booker.
What makes this more interesting is that the Suns now have a little more flexibility to keep working the trade market, with several names suddenly back in the conversation. Not every big-name rumor around Phoenix carries real weight, but the Bridges addition at least gives the front office another pathway if it wants to chase a point guard upgrade and keep reshaping the roster around a tougher, more balanced identity. [Read more 🡒]
Miles Bridges Fallout Has Suns Fans Bracing For Ishbia's Next Move
The aftershocks of Phoenixs trade for Miles Bridges are still being felt, and the reaction around the move has only sharpened the focus on how Mat Ishbia likes to build his roster. Bridges has drawn criticism since arriving from Charlotte, and the conversation has quickly shifted beyond the deal itself to what it might mean for the Suns frontcourt mix and the kinds of players Ishbia may chase next.
Phoenix already has a forward group that looks crowded on paper, with Bridges and Dillon Brooks setting the tone on the wing, but there is also room for another change if the right opportunity comes along. Ishbias Michigan State ties have become part of the discussion, too, since they add another layer to how fans are reading his decision-making as they wait to see whether the Suns keep tweaking the roster or stand pat. [Read more 🡒]