Suns general manager James Jones recently discussed his team’s thinking at a press conference with the media following their first-round sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jones says the focus will be on making the most of Durant’s contributions as an All-NBA scorer and doing everything it takes to assemble a strong squad around him.

“[The focus is to] figure out how to maximize Kevin Durant. No one’s done it yet. I believe we’ll be the first team to do it. It was just the totality of figuring out when where and how to do it together. We could not get on the same page and we ran out of time,” said the Suns GM. “But I think if you ask Kevin he’ll tell you. Kevin enjoys playing the game, we enjoy him playing the game, and when he’s playing at the highest level… we’re damn near unbeatable.”

Jones is correct in one regard: when Durant is playing at his peak, the Suns are difficult to beat. Durant led the Suns to a top-six spot in the West and they were one victory away from having a 50-win season despite all that happened this season, including injuries and erratic lineups.

Unfortunately, even though the Suns’ play heated up at the end of the season, their dominance did not carry over into the playoffs, and their weaknesses were revealed to the point where the club was unable to overcome them. Everything for the club has been called into question in the days that have followed, including Durant’s allegiance to the team, which was being questioned more than ever. He is still with the Suns for the time being, but after making so many sacrifices for the club they already have, the entire league will be keeping an eye on their circumstances this summer.

What Does The Phoenix Suns’ Future Hold ?

Matt Ishbia, the new owner and governor of the team, paid big bucks to assemble this group and anticipated quick outcomes. He reasoned that since they had three players ranked in the top 25 in the game, they could undoubtedly contend for the title of top team in the world. Instead, Ishbia’s own colleagues called him out as a dysfunctional owner, and they were humbled by a younger, less experienced squad.

Though the Suns’ hopes of winning the championship were officially dashed in Game 4, they obviously aren’t ready to give up. Coming off a season in which he averaged 27.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game on 52.3% shooting, Kevin Durant, who turns 36 in September, is returning to action. The Suns can compete with any team in the West as long as he’s performing at this caliber.

The only true option for change for the Suns this summer is to dismiss head coach Frank Vogel and try a new voice in the locker room, unless they can make a trade for Bradley Beal or Jusuf Nurkic. To the fullest extent possible, they will consider Kevin Durant’s standing as an All-NBA superstar when making any decisions.

In any case, the Suns’ postseason run was a huge letdown, and turning around their dismal form won’t be simple. But if the front staff becomes innovative in their approach, they might finally deliver on their promise to the fans of a Finals challenger and find something that works.