The NBA trade deadline is exploding with rumors — Giannis Antetokounmpo , Jaren Jackson Jr. and James Harden dominating headlines— but the Phoenix Suns aren’t biting. And that’s not an accident.

After living through the Kevin Durant trade fallout, the Suns know exactly what happens when you chase a superstar without protecting flexibility, depth, and leverage. It can blow up in your face and ruin almost everything. This time, Mat Ishbia and Brian Gregory are playing it smart in Phoenix.

On this edition of Southwest Bias, Espo breaks down:

- How the KD trade reshaped the Suns’ front office philosophy

- Why Phoenix refuses to panic despite Giannis and Harden buzz

- The hidden cost of star-chasing at the trade deadline

- Why roster balance, timing, and optionality matter more than headlines

- How the Suns are applying hard lessons instead of repeating history

This isn’t fear — it’s experience. The Suns already tried the shortcut. Now they’re choosing sustainability over splash, discipline over desperation, and long-term control over short-term hype.

💬 Did the KD trade finally teach the Suns how to win the deadline — or are they being too cautious?

Sound off in the comments.

📌 Subscribe for Suns-first NBA analysis, trade deadline breakdowns, and real conversations Phoenix fans actually care about.

0:00 - Espo's lesson on fuel

15:00 - Mat Ishbia at All Star Game

22:00 - Mike LaFleur

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The Arizona Cardinals finally get it right. Or did they?

After a stretch of embarrassing decisions and organizational missteps throughout the coaching search, the Cardinals made a hire that could signal real change — Mike LaFleur. On this episode of the Southwest Bias Podcast, Espo breaks down why this move feels different, what it says about the direction of the franchise, and how much pressure is now on Arizona to prove this wasn’t another short-sighted decision by giving LaFleur the tools to succeed.

Is Mike LaFleur the right fit for the Cardinals’ long term hopes?

What does this hire say about ownership, leadership, and accountability?

And does this actually change the trajectory of the Arizona Cardinals — or just buy them time?

Southwest Bias brings unfiltered, region-focused analysis on the Cardinals, Suns, and the biggest stories across the Southwest — without national media blind spots.

🎙️ Listen, react, and debate with us.

👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe for more Cardinals coverage

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Dillon Brooks’ 40-point career-high night against the Detroit Pistons didn’t just stand out — it helped bring the Phoenix Suns’ trade deadline priorities into sharper focus.

Brooks delivered the best scoring performance of his career, and the game served as another reminder of what Phoenix is learning about itself as the NBA trade deadline is just under a week away. Nights like Thursday continue to shape how the Suns evaluate their roster, matchups, and playoff readiness.

In this episode of Southwest Bias, Espo breaks down Dillon Brooks’ 40-point career-high vs. the Pistons, why performances like this influence the direction Brian Gregory, Mat Ishbia and the Suns will take at the deadline, and how it all impacts their chance to make noise in the Western Conference.

Time to talk about how the Suns are processing recent results, what trends are becoming harder to ignore, and why the deadline conversation keeps getting louder — even if it might be quiet.

Topics covered:

- Dillon Brooks’ 40-point career-high vs. Detroit

- Why performances like this matter ahead of the NBA trade deadline

- What recent matchups are revealing about Phoenix’s direction

- Whether a move is even necessary for this team

If you’re following Phoenix Suns trade deadline discussion, Dillon Brooks career night highlights, or want to just talk trade rumors, this show is for you.

🎧 Full conversations available on the Southwest Bias podcast

👍 Like the video

💬 Comment with your takeaway

🔔 Subscribe for daily Suns and NBA analysis

0:00 - Intro

1:30 - Dillon Brooks Teen Wolf

10:00 - Phoenix Suns Trade Deadline

25:00 - Shane's Fun Box

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PHNX Events: Get your tickets to PHNX events and takeovers here: https://gophnx.com/events/

ALLCITY — including us here at PHNX — is teaming up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America for an exciting three-year partnership. To learn more, visit https://www.bbbs.org/allcity/

bet365: https://www.bet365.com/hub/en-us/app-hero-banner-1?utm_source=affiliate&utm_campaign=usapp&utm_medium=affiliate&affiliate=365_03485317 Use the code PHNX365 to sign up, deposit $10 and bet $5 to get $150 in bonus bets!

Disclaimer: Must be 21+ and physically located in AZ. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-NEXT-STEP, text NEXTSTEP to 53342 or visit https://problemgambling.az.gov/

Branded Bills: Use code BBPHNX at https://www.brandedbills.com/ for 15% off your first order!

Husband & Wife Law Team: If you’ve had a serious injury, Call The Husband & Wife Law Team first at 602-783-8841 or visit

https://husbandandwifelawteam.com/?utm_source=allcity-padcasts&utm_medium=digital-phx&utm_campaign=allcityShowNotes

Circle K: Join Inner Circle for free by downloading the Circle K app today! Head to https://www.circlek.com/store-locator to find Circle Ks near you!

Shady Rays: Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: PHNX for 35% off polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.

Phoenix Raceway: Get your tickets now for March 5-8! https://www.phoenixraceway.com/march-cup-weekend/?CID=PIR_DI_TP_BA_PHNX26Spring_251120

Gametime: Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code PHNX for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

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