Suns GM says Jalen Green 'good to go,' pleased with team's progress

Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory met with the media to discuss the team's progress and Jalen Green's return from injury.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Less than 12 months after the Phoenix Suns decided to dismantle their Big 3 and pivot to a new era, general manager Brian Gregory believes the team is in a good spot. Gregory spoke about the team's progress, the acquisition of Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony, and Jalen Green's recovery from a right hamstring injury. He expressed confidence in the Suns' new identity and culture, as well as the potential of the Booker-Green backcourt.

Why it matters

The Suns' offseason moves, including trading Kevin Durant and parting ways with Bradley Beal, have led to a surprising season so far, with the team sitting in seventh place in the Western Conference. The progress of Jalen Green, a key part of the team's future, is also an important storyline as the Suns look to build around their young core.

The details

The Suns acquired guards Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony from the Milwaukee Bucks before the trade deadline. Coffey has played limited minutes so far, while Anthony had yet to report to the team prior to the All-Star break. Gregory praised the team's new identity and culture, focused on toughness, grit, and selflessness. The Suns fired coach Mike Budenholzer in April and hired Jordan Ott, a top assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers, in early June. After trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, the Suns agreed to a buyout with guard Bradley Beal. Jalen Green, who has only appeared in seven games this season due to a right hamstring injury, is progressing well and is 'good to go' according to Gregory.

  • On Feb. 18, Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory met with the media.
  • Jalen Green last played on Feb. 10 against the Dallas Mavericks.
  • The Suns traded forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets on June 22.

The players

Brian Gregory

The general manager of the Phoenix Suns who met with the media to discuss the team's progress and Jalen Green's return from injury.

Jalen Green

A guard for the Phoenix Suns who has been recovering from a right hamstring injury and is now 'good to go' according to the team's general manager.

Devin Booker

A guard for the Phoenix Suns who, along with Jalen Green, is expected to form 'one of the best, if not the best' backcourts in the NBA according to the team's general manager.

Jordan Ott

The new head coach of the Phoenix Suns, hired in early June, who the team's general manager praised for creating an environment where players can have career years.

Kevin Durant

The forward who was traded by the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets on June 22, which brought Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix.

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What they’re saying

“Last spring, in the preseason, right before the first game, we talked about building a new identity and creating a culture based on toughness, grit, selflessness.”

— Brian Gregory, General Manager, Phoenix Suns (azcentral.com)

“I think we're in a good place. I think we've made progress in all of those areas. I think our fans, our great community of Phoenix, and maybe even you guys can feel it a little bit.”

— Brian Gregory, General Manager, Phoenix Suns (azcentral.com)

“You want to make sure that things are in the right place for not only game one, but also game 20 and then for his entire career. His work ethic has matched anything that we needed. And now I think he's good to go.”

— Brian Gregory, General Manager, Phoenix Suns (azcentral.com)

“We are creating environments here where players come in and they know they're gonna have career years during their time here in Phoenix. That is very important, not only for our current players, but as we move forward into the future as well.”

— Brian Gregory, General Manager, Phoenix Suns (azcentral.com)

What’s next

The Suns will continue to monitor Jalen Green's progress as he works his way back from the right hamstring injury. The team will also look to continue their surprising season and climb up the Western Conference standings.

The takeaway

The Suns' offseason moves, including trading Kevin Durant and parting ways with Bradley Beal, have led to a surprisingly successful season so far. The team's new identity and culture, as well as the potential of the Booker-Green backcourt, have the Suns in a good position moving forward.