Nov 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA: Phoenix Suns Head Coach Jordan Ott and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) talk in the first half of the game at Mortgage Match Up Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
GLENDALE – ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Monday that the NBA is looking to expand to Seattle and Las Vegas in the next few years, which could spell trouble for the Phoenix Suns. The league will be meeting next week to discuss the purchase process for the two teams, and then later in the year a vote will be held to finalize it. With this likely to be approve, teams will need to begin now on thinking about the expansion draft.
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All 3o teams will be able to protect eight players from their team, with Seattle and Las Vegas drafting from the pool of remaining players. Phoenix will have a tough time narrowing down its roster to just eight players.
Jun 30, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devon Booker sits with Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia during the game between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Who do the Suns protect?
The goal by the NBA was set for the 2028-2029 season, which means the draft will happen the Summer beforehand. The only three Suns players under contract for that upcoming season is Devin Booker, Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming, making them a lock to be protected. The remaining five players is truly a toss up with how the franchise plans to move forward next offseason.
Phoenix Mercury and Suns owner Mat Ishbia (left) talks with new Suns general manager Brian Gregory during the second quarter between the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx at PHX Arena on July 9, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The goal should be to protect the young talent on the roster, with three names emerging: Jalen Green, Mark Williams and Collin Gillespie. The trio of players will be in their mid-to-late 20’s and will be the future of organization come 2028. Gillespie and Williams are free agents this offseason and signing both to long-term deals could be difficult.
Contracts like Dillon Brooks’ $20 million or Grayson Allen’s $18 million will likely need to be traded if the franchise wants to bring back both players and remain under the first apron. Brooks and Allen are entering their 30s, with their value nearing its peak and could be an opportunity for general manager Brian Gregory to recoup some draft assets to prepare for the future.
Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
If money wasn’t a problem Brooks and Allen would easily take the final two spots, but the Suns will need to make some tough choices to protect their future. Ryan Dunn likely takes one of the final two spots. He’ll be 25 years old in the 2028 offseason and would hopeful grow into a prominent role by then, with the expected roster moves.
The final name will likely be someone who isn’t even on the roster, whether it’s a trade or drafted player. For now, the final spot will be reserved for Oso Ighodaro. He’ll be the same age as Dunn and will be part of a pack of players in their prime next to an aging Booker. Hopefully, Jordan Ott is still holding the helm as head coach to maintain a consistent core for the foreseeable future.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
