The Phoenix Suns desperately need to upgrade their roster. They have three stars but were bounced in the first round of the playoffs in 2024. Phoenix needs depth but is severely limited by the new second tax apron restrictions. The Suns cannot sign anyone over the minimum or take back more money than they send out in a trade among other things.
The Suns added two young talents in the draft and re-signed Royce O’Neale. Phoenix passed on the opportunity to overpay in hopes of creating a trade asset, but they did not let that happen a second time.
Some fans were scratching their heads at why Josh Okogie got a two-year deal worth $16 million on July 11 after playing just 16.0 minutes per game last season. Phoenix took their shot at using Bird rights to create a tradeable contract to improve their roster.
The Suns overpaid Josh Okogie to improve their flexibility
Okogie got a two-year contract, but the second season is non-guaranteed, according to Michael Scotto. That means it is virtually a one-year deal worth $8 million. That could allow the Suns to trade Okogie for a player making less than that figure before the deadline. They have limited draft capital, but Phoenix will be on the search for upgrades.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks beautifully laid things out in the Tweet below. The Suns now have a historic payroll and a trade chip to use before the Feb. 8 deadline.
Record breaking numbers in Phoenix
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 12, 2024
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
There is zero risk if spending is no issue for owner Mat Ishbia. If Okogie is playing a crucial role, the Suns can keep him. Phoenix will look for an upgrade, but may not find one. This gives them a tradeable contract that rebuilding teams will not think twice about adding to their books.
Yes, the Suns overpaid, but front offices always have to be looking toward their next move. Phoenix was all over that here. Okogie will fight for minutes during training camp and could play a crucial role as a defender in the second unit.
They will be in no rush to move him, but Okogie is the team’s best trade asset outside of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker heading into the 2024-25 season.
The Phoenix Suns want to be in title contention. They struggled to stay healthy and play at that level last season. Do things change in year two? If not, the Suns may be forced to retool. The pressure is certainly on, so adding an upgrade could be massive ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Phoenix will be fascinating to watch, so do not miss it.