The Phoenix Suns are in the midst of a critical offseason. After a miserable season in which they went just 36-46, they failed to qualify for any sort of postseason, finishing as the No. 11 seed in a loaded Western Conference. This comes on the heels of being swept out of the 2024 NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Changes began immediately, starting with the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer. They later hired Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Jordan Ott to replace him, although the Suns still owe Budenholzer $40 million. The Suns also made a significant change at general manager when they moved James Jones into a senior advisory role to make way for Brian Gregory.
Phoenix Suns have offseason Bol Bol verdict before free agency
Gregory likely worked closely with owner Mat Ishbia before the deal was made to send star forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five second-round picks. It was notable that the Suns used that 10th pick to draft center Khaman Maluach out of Duke.
They then shocked many by trading the No. 29 pick and a 2031 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams. With all of the moves made to bolster their frontcourt, that likely means the Suns will look to move certain players or just not bring them back.
According to Arizona Sports radio host John Gambadoro, it seems as though a decision has already been made regarding one of their pending free agents.
"The Suns are expected to let Bol Bol walk in free agency, via [Gambadoro," Legion Hoops posted on X.
To some, Bol Bol was the original Victor Wembanyama. At 7-foot-3, Bol displayed the ability to hit the outside shot and put the ball on the floor. Many were pessimistic when Wembanyama entered the league because they felt we had seen his prototype before in Bol.
Bol had some strong showings in February, but they didn't translate into wins. Bol's rare blend of his size with his skillset will likely be enough to land him somewhere in free agency, but it's hard to envision him playing meaningful minutes on a playoff team.