Valley of the Suns
Fansided

The roster moves the Phoenix Suns cannot afford to make

By Peter O'Keefe

Oct 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Robert Server (left) talks with general manager James Jones against the Los Angeles Lakers during a preseason game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Robert Server (left) talks with general manager James Jones against the Los Angeles Lakers during a preseason game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Phoenix Suns have had a beneficial offseason to date, re-signing starting center Deandre Ayton, as well as agreeing to contract extensions with superstar Devin Booker and head coach Monty Williams.

Deals can still, and are likely to be made as the period progress into what the franchise hopes will be an historic 2022-23 NBA season.

While most expect the Phoenix Suns to upgrade their roster in some shape or form, there remains the possibility of some downgrades for one very specific reason.

The 2022-23 season presents as the first since 2009-10 that the Suns will be in the luxury tax. The tax level is set at $150.267 million for next season, with the franchise currently at just over $167 million.

Put simply, the franchise is still in a position to duck the luxury tax should owner Robert Sarver be unwilling to pay its implications.

For example, the Suns could send out Dario Saric, Landry Shamet and Torrey Craig for nothing but minimum contracts in return. Those three players are set to make a combined nearly $25 million next season.

Phoenix Suns, Landry Shamet
Phoenix Suns, Landry Shamet. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

If the Suns wish to push past the hurdle and win an NBA championship, they cannot afford to blatantly downgrade their roster in such a way. Fortunately, it doesn’t appear like that’s a path they’ll take, at least according to what general manager James Jones said in May.

"“They deserve the accolades and the financial rewards that come with being good players and productive players. It doesn’t preclude us from doing anything. We’re not talking about a luxury tax issues or avoiding those things. That’s not something that’s going to prevent us from continuing to build this team and keep this team together.”"

He’s been a man of his word so far – re-signing Ayton put them into the luxury tax position. The next question is now whether the franchise will come to terms on an extension for forward Cameron Johnson.

Next. Phoenix Suns: Elimination from Durant sweepstakes could prove blessing in disguise. dark

For now, the franchise understands they’re in a title contending period for the first time in a while. Doing what it takes financially to remain there is imperative to sustained success.

Home/Suns News