The up-and-coming Houston Rockets have taken the NBA by surprise in 2024-25, as the mixed group of star prospects and veteran mentors currently possess a 37-22 record and position as the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference.

Houston has young pieces and picks to make a trade for either worthwhile, and there's no question that either star would make the Rockets contenders, although it would close a chapter on this disappointing era of the Suns' basketball, which could be for the best.

The Phoenix Suns are nearing the verge of missing the playoffs with a 27-31 record, good for the 11th seed in a crowded Western Conference. 2.5 games back from

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PHOENIX (AP) — A brutal season for the Phoenix Suns hit a low Sunday night with a humiliating 116-98 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. “We didn't play up to our standards at all,” All-Star forward Kevin Durant said. “We embarrassed the fans and we embarrassed ourselves the way we played. I want us to be better.”

Yes, the Suns do have the toughest remaining strength of schedule. Yes, the Suns have to prove that they can consistently hang with the best of the best in the league. Yes, the Spurs have a significantly lighter schedule to close the season. None of that matters now.