The Phoenix Suns are approaching contract talks for starters Jalen Green and Miles Bridges with confidence as the regular season nears. Both players have one year left on their current deals and have been eligible for contract extensions throughout the offseason, but the Suns have yet to formalize any offers.
Jalen Green’s situation remains somewhat uncertain. The team is asking a lot from him this season, particularly after media day and training camp highlighted his work with Suns Hall of Famer Steve Nash. The Suns want Green to take on the point guard role, allowing Devin Booker to focus more on scoring. This change demands an adjustment from Green, who showed mixed results last season.
Green’s assist numbers have not been impressive, and his turnovers raise concerns. However, the Suns see playmaking as more than just assists. They value the impact Green has when driving to the basket or running pick-and-roll plays, creating opportunities by drawing defenders. He has also improved off the ball as a screener and cutter. But his biggest issue remains efficiency; his volume shooting combined with inconsistent scoring has been problematic. The team has not indicated any extension yet but is likely to consider one if Green shows respectable improvement this season.
Miles Bridges’s contract outlook appears more positive. When the Suns traded for Bridges from the Charlotte Hornets, there was a clear indication he was part of their long-term plans. Mat Ishbia, the majority owner, praised Bridges during media day and at the time of the trade. Bridges joined the Suns with one year left on his contract, but there seems to be more certainty about extending him.
Bridges brings a combination of size, athleticism, playmaking, and scoring ability that the Suns have missed at power forward since Kevin Durant’s departure. However, his defense remains a question. Historically an average defender, Bridges is now part of a defensive unit that head coach Jordan Ott described as a three-headed system. Bridges himself expressed willingness to take on tough defensive assignments during training camp, but whether he can sustain success on that end will become clearer as the season progresses.
The Suns appear more concerned with when they will extend these players rather than if they will. Financial considerations, including salary cap management and potential luxury tax implications, are key factors. The team may face challenges deciding how to balance these extensions while staying within financial limits.
For now, the Suns are focused on starting the 2026-27 season strongly, with the contract talks for Green and Bridges continuing in the background.
According to Yahoo Sports.
