Phoenix Suns basketball is almost back for the 2024-25 season, with the organization holding their media day Monday at the Footprint Center. The feeling around the franchise was largely good, while also accepting that last season the team didn't compete at a level that they had aspired to.
Bradley Beal spoke about wanting to get back to the player he used to be - and which he feels The Valley hasn't properly seen yet - while Grayson Allen set the tone with a fantastic interview around now coming off the bench with the addition of Tyus Jones.
Then some potential trade rumors were shut down, for now.
This offseason the Suns surprisingly brought back Josh Okogie - a free agent - on a two-year, $16 million deal. The reasoning for this on the outside at least, appeared obvious. Bring Okogie back on a team-friendly deal, then flip him down the road for another player.
The Suns are in the second apron, and so can't take back more money than they send out in any trades right now. Which was why Okogie's deal was a nice move, it allowed them to access players they wouldn't normally have been able to trade for as a result of having him on their books. With the deal slightly front-loaded as well, in theory it becomes even easier to move next season.
Okogie though appeared to have other ideas, as he told the media that "I love Phoenix, the community, the fans, the people, the organization... I wanted to see if there was a way to make it work, and apparently the feeling is mutual on both sides." That... does not sound like a guy who thinks he is being traded anytime soon.
Josh Okogie on his impression of Ryan Dunn: “He really wants to learn and he’s been soaking everything up like sponge. Not only defensively but he’s fun to watch play offensively as well. His timing is excellent and he has intangibles you can’t teach.” pic.twitter.com/Ig4tClEgX6
— Zona (@AZSportsZone) September 30, 2024
Obviously Okogie isn't going to get up on the podium and say that he only came back to secure a bag, and that he's probably going to get flipped down the road. But he spoke with a genuine love for Phoenix, and it sure sounded like he didn't want to go anywhere else. What also helps his case is that there aren't many guys like him on the roster.
He's still young at 26-years-old, and is entering his third season with the organization. Last year he actually started on opening night - and although that won't be happening again anytime soon - he does actually present a different look for this team. The starting trio of Jones, Beal and Devin Booker is going to get beat up defensively on a lot of nights.
But Okogie can hold his own against some elite scorers, and that defensive ability could actually become extremely valuable quite quickly to new head coach Mike Budenholzer. The positive by-product of that being that Okogie's trade value would also increase if he did manage to play a meaningful role for the Suns, to the point they might get a pick thrown into a deal as well.
This is a situation to keep an eye on - because although everybody believes Okogie was brought back to be moved down the line - he could still force his way into the rotation in Phoenix. There are spots up for grabs on that second unit, and he has the experience and skills needed coming off the bench to help win some games.