Phoenix sports in 2025: Big trades, bold moves

⚾ Diamondbacks ballpark deal: The D-Backs didn't give us much to talk about on the baseball diamond, but the team notched a victory at the state Legislature.

• Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a bill in June that will allow the team to use $500 million in tax revenue over the next 30 years to fund ballpark renovations.

👋 Kevin Durant trade: After 2½ seasons, the Phoenix Suns traded 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in July.

• Phoenix's Durant era was plagued by injuries and never met the grandiose expectations of fans and ownership.
• The Suns in turn secured shooting guard Jalen Green, small forward Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this year's NBA Draft, and five second-round picks.

🔥 Phoenix Mercury Finals run: After losing four of five starters in the off-season, the Mercury added a new franchise face in Alyssa Thomas and shocked the basketball world by reaching the WNBA Finals in October.

• Unfortunately, the Las Vegas Aces swept the Merc in that showdown.

👿 ASU injuries: The Sun Devils had big expectations after last year's stunning Big 12 Championship, but key injuries derailed a repeat appearance in the College Football Playoff.

• In good news, head coach Kenny Dillingham agreed to a contract extension to stay with ASU amid speculation he was being courted by iconic football programs like Michigan and Auburn.

😼 UofA's surprise: Wildcat fans were thrilled by an unexpectedly decent football season, including a big win in the rivalry game against ASU.

What's next: ASU faces Duke in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, on New Year's Eve at 11am.

• UofA heads to San Diego for a matchup with Southern Methodist University in the Holiday Bowl on Jan. 2 at 6pm.