The Phoenix Suns moved up two spots in ESPN’s latest NBA power rankings, climbing from No. 21 to No. 19 after a busy offseason. The climb reflects a perception that the franchise has solidified its core while adding a proven scorer, positioning the team for a stronger 2026-27 campaign.
During the offseason the Suns re-signed guard Collin Gillespie, center Mark Williams and forward Jordan Goodwin. They also added rookie forward Koa Peat from the draft, veteran sharpshooter Luke Kennard via free agency, and former Charlotte forward Miles Bridges in a trade. Bridges arrived after posting 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Hornets last season, statistics that placed him among the league’s more efficient forwards.
Because the Suns sit just below the luxury-tax threshold, their ability to absorb large contracts is limited, and past trades have left them with little trade capital. The only major asset shift was the two-for-one deal that sent forward Josh Allen and forward Darius O’Neale to Charlotte in exchange for Bridges. The move trims depth but adds a versatile wing, and it comes as the club hopes Jalen Green recovers fully from a hamstring injury that limited his rookie season.
Strategically, Bridges provides a stretch-four who can pull a defender out of the paint, creating driving lanes for the Suns’ existing play-makers. Head coach Jordan Ott’s system emphasizes spacing and ball-movement, and the addition of a scorer who can finish at the rim gives Ott more flexibility in line-up construction. The revised rotation, Bridges, Goodwin, Kennard, Peat and the returning core, should allow the team to maintain a consistent rotation while monitoring Green’s health.
The rise to No. 19 signals incremental progress rather than a leap into championship contention. Phoenix aims to build on its 45-37 playoff finish by staying healthy and letting the new pieces gel. If the offseason acquisitions integrate smoothly and Green returns to full strength, the Suns could solidify their place as a reliable Western Conference playoff team and perhaps surprise the league with a deeper run.
