The Phoenix Suns are prioritizing perimeter shooting and floor spacing to maximize the efficiency of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker during the 2024-25 NBA season. Facing strict “second apron” salary cap restrictions, the front office is focusing on rotational depth and high-percentage three-point shooters to maintain competitiveness in the Western Conference, according to data from NBA.com.
Why the Phoenix Suns are prioritizing three-point shooting
The Suns require consistent outside threats to prevent opposing defenses from collapsing on Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. According to ESPN, the team’s offensive strategy relies on “gravity”—the ability of shooters to pull defenders away from the paint. When the Suns lack reliable shooters in the corners, the floor shrinks, making it easier for opponents to double-team their primary stars.
The acquisition of Grayson Allen from the Milwaukee Bucks served as a primary solution to this need. Allen provides a high-volume, high-efficiency shooting presence that allows the Suns to maintain spacing during both the first and second units. His presence reduces the scoring burden on Booker and Durant, who often face the league’s most aggressive defensive schemes.
How the “Second Apron” limits Suns trade options
The Phoenix Suns operate under the NBA’s most restrictive salary cap tier, known as the second apron. According to Bleacher Report, this designation prevents the team from using certain trade mechanisms, such as aggregating salaries to acquire a single player or using mid-level exceptions to sign free agents.
These restrictions mean the Suns cannot easily trade multiple role players for a high-caliber shooter from another team. Instead, they must rely on:
- Minimum-salary contracts for veteran shooters.
- Developing young talent on the roster.
- Precision in utilizing their remaining draft assets.
Suns vs. Lakers: Contrasting Roster Strategies
While both the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers are pursuing immediate championship contention, their paths differ due to their financial structures. The Lakers have historically maintained more flexibility to make mid-season adjustments, whereas the Suns are largely locked into their core rotation.
| Feature | Phoenix Suns | Los Angeles Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Constraint | Second Apron Restrictions | Luxury Tax/Roster Flexibility |
| Shooting Strategy | Specialist Role Players (e.g., Grayson Allen) | Versatile Wing Depth |
| Core Dependency | Durant/Booker/Beal Trio | LeBron James/Anthony Davis Duo |
What happens next for the Suns roster?
The Suns’ ability to advance in the playoffs depends on their health and the consistency of their supporting cast. According to reports from The Athletic, the team is monitoring the trade market for “low-cost, high-upside” shooters who can fit under the salary cap’s minimum thresholds.
If the team continues to struggle with depth, they may be forced to move future draft picks to acquire a veteran presence before the February trade deadline. However, the risk of further depleting their assets remains a point of contention within the organization’s long-term planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best shooter on the Phoenix Suns?
Kevin Durant remains the most efficient high-volume shooter, but Grayson Allen provides the most consistent specialized spacing for the team’s offensive sets.
Can the Suns trade for more players this season?
Yes, but they are limited by the second apron. They cannot aggregate salaries in trades, meaning they must match incoming and outgoing salaries almost exactly or use minimum contracts.
How does shooting affect Kevin Durant’s performance?
Better spacing reduces the number of defenders in Durant’s path to the basket and creates more open looks for his signature perimeter game.