Phoenix Suns slammed as NBA trade deadline’s ‘mega super-huge loser’
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NBA writers like coming out with winners and losers lists for big events like the NBA draft, NBA free agency and the NBA trade deadline.
They didn’t pull any punches in their criticism of the Phoenix Suns‘ 2025 NBA trade deadline performance in reaction to the 2025 NBA trade deadline.
The Suns were listed as “losers” in many stories evaluating teams at the trade deadline, with one site even labeling them the “mega super-huge loser” of the period.
Another called the team’s NBA trade deadline performance an “absolute disasterclass,” while one wrote that the organization was an “embarrassing disaster.”
See what we mean about not pulling punches?
Check out how NBA writers reacted to the Suns’ moves (or lack thereof) in their NBA trade deadline winners and losers lists:
USA TODAY Sports: Kevin Durant could get ‘restless’ after Suns strike out at NBA trade deadline
Jeff Zillgitt writes: “The Suns wanted to make a major trade and improve the roster so they could rise in the standings and attempt a deep run in the playoffs with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. They ran into snags. Either Bradley Beal wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause or if he was willing to do that, teams were hesitant to take on the remaining two years and $110.7 million on Beal’s contract. They ended up trading Jusuf Nurkic and another one of their first-round picks to Charlotte for Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic and a second-round pick. Don’t be surprised if Durant gets restless and wants out of Phoenix.”
NBC Sports: Suns have ‘murky future’ after 2025 NBA trade deadline
Sanjesh Singh writes: “It’s not exactly clear what Phoenix is trying to achieve. After reportedly wanting to trade Kevin Durant, the future Hall of Famer eventually ended up staying put. The Suns still have Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, but the trio has been held down due to the latter’s decline. The rest of the roster doesn’t move the needle enough, either, and Phoenix parted with its best center in Jusuf Nurkic and a 2026 first-rounder for Charlotte forward Cody Martin, guard Vasilije Micic and a 2026 second rounder. Phoenix didn’t do enough to help its current stars, while still having a murky future. Not great.”
Yahoo Sports: Suns are ‘mega super-huge loser’ of NBA trade deadline
Dan Devine writes: “After months of frantic maneuvering to try to thread the needle on a move that seemed all but impossible to execute (because it was!), the Suns wind up having lost out on their preferred target to a team they’re tied with in the standings; angering the guy they moved heaven and earth to get two years ago; making no significant improvements to a .500 team with a negative net rating (though defensive havoc-wreaker Martin, the twin brother of Caleb, might help some) that has lost four of five and just got annihilated by Oklahoma City; fostering what sounds like a not particularly chill locker room vibe; making ominous proclamations about the future; putting themselves squarely on the clock with KD; and probably hearing the flapping wings of vultures circling overhead, asking if they’ve got a second to chat about Devin Booker. It’s almost like constantly tripling-down on your last double-down is not a viable strategy for sustained success. Huh. Imagine that.”
The Ringer: Suns ‘an embarrassing disaster’ at NBA trade deadline
Michael Pina writes: “Trading Kevin Durant should’ve been Phoenix’s be-all and end-all. They reportedly came close to a deal that would’ve sent him to either Miami or Golden State. Not getting anything done may haunt this organization for years to come, especially if Durant decides to not sign an extension this summer and signals to the entire league he wants out. What an embarrassing disaster! The Suns are an obscenely expensive team that aspires to win a championship right now. They’re also 25-25 and in 10th place in the West. But instead of using their highly coveted 2031 first-round pick to improve a floundering on-court product, a couple of weeks ago they turned it into three less valuable first-round picks and then traded their 2026 pick (and Jusuf Nurkic) for Cody Martin, Vasilije Micić, and a second-round pick. Yes, that shaves $19.4 million off Mat Ishbia’s tax bill next season, but the Suns are still likely to be over the second apron and nowhere close to competing for an NBA title.”
FOX Sports: Suns have ‘uninspired roster’ and ‘question marks’ after NBA trade deadline
It writes: “Now, Phoenix turns for the home stretch barely hanging onto ninth position in an ever-hungry Western Conference with an uninspired roster and question marks hanging over Durant’s future. More than anything though, the fact the Suns were so desperate to make any move to shake up this roster and failed to get much done, outside of shipping Jusurf Nurkic, does not bode well both for their chances of contending now and into the future.”
VSIN: Suns’ 2025 NBA trade deadline ‘absolute disasterclass’
Zachary Cohen writes: “This week was an absolute disasterclass. Phoenix wasn’t able to move Bradley Beal, who has a no trade clause and makes way too much money. The team then discussed Durant with several other franchises, and that reportedly blindsided the superstar. Then, despite reports coming out that Phoenix is going to re-think things during the summer, the Suns used a first-round pick to get off Jusuf Nurkic’s contract. They would have been way better off just telling him to stay home until the offseason, when he would have been easier to trade as an expiring contract. Right now, it’s hard to imagine Phoenix even making the Play-In Tournament. And it’s likely a divorce is coming with Durant. After that, Devin Booker might be next.”
What’s your reaction to the Suns’ performance at the 2025 NBA trade deadline?
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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