# WEAK WEST: The Suns IMPROVED But Haven't Quite  Closed The Gap In The Western Conference Just Yet...

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-suns-daily-podcast-on-the-phoenix-suns-53324/weak-west-the-suns-improved-but-haven-t-quite-closed-the-gap-in-the-western-conference-just-yet
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-suns-daily-podcast-on-the-phoenix-suns-53324/weak-west-the-suns-improved-but-haven-t-quite-closed-the-gap-in-the-western-conference-just-yet.md
Podcast: [Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-suns-daily-podcast-on-the-phoenix-suns-53324)
Published: 2026-07-28T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-suns/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/c214be/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/955c347c-193a-47c1-96fb-b04d4c5b62f7/episodes/2000a935-94be-4ee2-bff6-85a78a1dd5ee/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=955c347c-193a-47c1-96fb-b04d4c5b62f7&awEpisodeId=2000a935-94be-4ee2-bff6-85a78a1dd5ee&feed=dR44n4fJ
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/locked-on-suns-daily-podcast-on-the-phoenix-suns-53324/episodes/weak-west-the-suns-improved-but-haven-t-quite-closed-the-gap-in-the-western-conference-just-yet
Duration seconds: 1707

## Resource

Phoenix Suns face mounting pressure as Western Conference power shifts—can Devin Booker lead them past mediocrity? LeBron James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers and roster shakeups across the NBA raise new questions about the Suns’ position in a weakened West. Key topics include the impact of Miles Bridges’ arrival, Jalen Green’s fit versus potential James Harden trade rumors, and concerns about shooting and team chemistry. The discussion explores whether Phoenix’s incremental upgrades are enough to break past the sixth seed, the looming threat of losing Devin Booker, and what’s truly at stake for the franchise’s championship window. Fans weigh in on controversial player swaps and expectations for the Suns’ playoff aspirations. 00:00 Did The West Get Worse? 03:58 Phoenix Suns playoff potential 08:48 Phoenix Suns post-All-Star struggles 15:01 NBA player viability discussions 18:39 Phoenix Suns' rebuilding challenges 20:41 Discussing potential James Harden trade 26:54 Discussing James Harden's contract potential 27:47 Debating Jalen Green vs. James Harden

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