Why Suns’ patient Jalen Green, Miles Bridges extension talks aren’t concerning

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>The regular season is nearly underway, and the Phoenix Suns have two names with one year remaining on their respective contracts: Jalen Green and Miles Bridges.

>Both players are a part of the starting lineup, and have been eligible for an extension throughout the offseason. With Phoenix extending offers for their young players, next up are the two starters.

>Funny enough, one of the biggest questions would be if Bridges will receive an extension, along with Green. The latter seems a little more uncertain, but the 2026-27 season could tell us a lot.

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Jalen Green’s extension will be based on upcoming productionThe team is asking a lot of Green this year. One of the major storylines at media day and in training camp was Green’s work with Suns Hall of Famer Steve Nash.

>Basically, the team wants him to be the point guard, and for Devin Booker to be more focused on a scoring role. It’s a major adjustment, but one that is certainly possible.

>The assist per game numbers aren’t encouraging, especially with looking at the turnovers. However, being a quality playmaker isn’t always based on assists. It’s about the gravity he creates driving to the basket or operating out of the pick-and-roll.

>There were moments last season, specifically with center Oso Ighodaro. Not to mention, Green has improved off the ball with being a screener and cutter.

>Most notably, his biggest issue comes down to efficiency. The volume scoring and shooting isn’t an ideal combination, so adding that playmaking element can grow his game.

>Phoenix hasn’t made any indication to extend him as of writing this, but the signs likely point to it happening if they see the improvement at a respectable rate.

Miles Bridges’s contract situation is more optimisticFor the former Charlotte Hornets forward, when he was traded from Buzz City to the Valley of the Sun, there was an indication that he’s a part of the team’s long-term future.

>Majority team owner Mat Ishbia raved about Bridges during media day and when the team made the trade. When they made the move, he had one year remaining on his contract.

>Although nothing has officially been said, there seems to be more certainty with the Michigan State forward being a part of the core.

>He offers something not seen at the power forward position since Kevin Durant was traded. Bridges’s blend of size, athleticism, underrated playmaking, and scoring ability cannot be denied.

>But a major question for him will be on the defensive end.

>In his career, he’s been an average defender, but during media day, head coach Jordan Ott said that he’s a part of a three-headed defensive unit.

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>It caught some people by surprise, but that’s something Bridges talked about as well during training camp. He wants the tough defensive assignment. Whether or not he’ll have sustained success is a question that will have to wait for the regular season to run its course.

The Suns have some financial question marksExtending both Green and Bridges isn’t necessarily the question: it’s more so a matter of when. Not only that, but navigating the salary cap and determining if they’ll hit the luxury tax, or that first and second tax apron, is the intriguing part.

>All those questions will be answered in due time, but for now, the focus is starting the 2026-27 season strong.

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