The Suns' plans after Kevin Durant's departure: Devin Booker, the young

Second-year players for the Phoenix Suns, Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, were able to establish a special relationship with Kevin Durant during their rookie season in the league before he was traded to the Houston Rockets, as written by Duane Rankin in the Arizona Republic. Dunn said he loved playing with Durant and appreciated what he had been able to learn from the future Hall of Famer.

"We established that relationship," Dunn said. "I wish him the best in Houston. I'm excited to compete against him and tease him a bit now, but he's someone I can always turn to and learn from, so I also wish him the best."

Both players are expected to take a big step forward in terms of responsibility this season, after being significant contributors in their early years in the league. "He was a great teammate, a great leader for us," Ighodaro said about Durant. "It was great to be able to say that I was his teammate and that I learned a lot from him, both myself and Ryan. We've talked a bit since he left. I wish him the best."

Dunn quickly noticed some of the early cultural changes in Phoenix under the guidance of the new general manager Brian Gregory, Rankin writes. Gregory wants to set a competitive tone for the new Suns. "He wants dogs," Dunn said. "He wants dogs on this team." Dunn and Ighodaro aim to establish winning habits as leaders of the Summer League team, Rankin writes in another news piece. "We want to change the identity here a bit," assistant coach DeMarre Carroll said. "We want to compete at a high level. These guys have been doing it."

Incoming Players

The new head coach, Jordan Ott, praised rookie Khaman Maluach, according to Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports. "You know how big and tall he is, it's obvious. His ability to run creates a different dynamic, the vertical space he has above the rim. And then, his overall size and rim protection, it's noticeable every second he's on the court," Ott said. The Suns acquired the pick used to select Maluach in the Durant trade.

Additionally, Ott expressed his excitement about the addition of Isaiah Livers with a two-way contract, Rankin writes. "Isaiah brings the shooting and size we are looking for in this roster," Ott said. "He has been injured, but now he's back. He's completely healthy. He's been here. I'm excited to see more of him this summer in training camp and in the season."

Fresh off earning the highest salary in the NBA, this season could be the most challenging yet for Devin Booker, opines Doug Haller of The Athletic. The Suns will need Booker to be patient as they go through a readjustment period that could see them fighting for a play-in spot once again.

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