30 in 30: Will the Phoenix Suns be a contender once again in 2023?

We explore if the Phoenix Suns can be a contender once again heading into the 2022-23 NBA season.

On paper, the expectation is that the Phoenix Suns will be a contender once again heading into the 2022-23 NBA season. However, there is plenty of uncertainty that revolves around the Suns with training camp on the horizon.

During the offseason, the Suns elected that it was best to run it back. They could’ve made a move with Deandre Ayton but elected to match the offer sheet that he signed with the Indiana Pacers and he’ll now be back with the team, with a brand new deal.

Can the Phoenix Suns overcome the offseason awkwardness?

From the Suns flirting with the idea of trading for Kevin Durant to letting Ayton walk in free agency, there’s some relationship-mending that will likely have to take place at some point. Or, at the very least, conversations will have to be had inside the locker room.

One of the biggest questions that the Suns will have to answer with their play this season is whether they can overcome what took place during the offseason. And they should be able to, you’d imagine. They’re all professionals and at the end of the day, playing in the NBA is a business.

So, can the Suns overcome that to be a contender in the Western Conference again?