The roster of the Phoenix Suns has to be upgraded immediately. Despite having three stars, they lost in the 2024 playoffs first round.
Phoenix is severely hampered by the new second tax apron limits, yet it still needs depth. Among other things, the Suns are not allowed to sign players for more than the minimum salary or to keep more money than they give out in trades.
The Suns re-signed Royce O’Neale and recruited two young players in the draft. Phoenix did not allow that to happen again, even though they turned on the chance to overpay in the hopes of developing a trade asset.
When Josh Okogie signed a two-year contract worth $16 million on July 11th, some fans were perplexed as to why he had played only 16.0 minutes per game the previous season. Phoenix attempted to upgrade their squad by creating a tradeable contract with Bird’s rights.
Josh Okogie was overpaid by the Suns to increase their flexibility.
Michael Scotto claims that although Okogie signed a two-year contract, the second season is not assured. That indicates that the $8 million contract is essentially for a year. This might make it possible for the Suns to deal Okogie before the deadline for a player making less money. Despite their small draft capital, Phoenix will be looking for improvements.
In the Tweet below, ESPN’s Bobby Marks expertly summarized the situation. The Suns now have a trade chip and a historic payroll to utilize before the deadline on February 8.
Record breaking numbers in Phoenix
The Suns are the first $400M team in payroll
Salaries: $223M
Projected tax: $198M
The Okogie signing is smart and gives Phoenix a $8M trade asset to use during the season.
Because of the rules of the 2nd apron, his salary cannot be… https://t.co/ryY70GvQqX
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 12, 2024
If owner Mat Ishbia’s spending is not a concern, there is no risk. Okogie can stay with the Suns if he is contributing significantly. Phoenix may not locate an upgrade, but it will search for one. As a result, rebuilding teams will be eager to add this tradeable deal to their roster.
Although the Suns paid too much, front offices must constantly consider their next move. This was entirely Phoenix’s doing. During training camp, Okogie will compete for minutes and might be a key member of the second unit defense.
Going into the 2024–25 season, Okogie is the team’s finest trade asset outside of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, though they won’t be in a hurry to move him.
The Phoenix Suns aspire to contend for the championship. The previous season, they had trouble playing at that level and staying healthy. Do things alter in the second year? The Suns might have to retool if that happens. Prior to the trade deadline of February 6, making an improvement could be really beneficial because pressure is undoubtedly on. Don’t miss Phoenix; it will be an interesting show to watch.