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Phoenix Suns Shatter $400 Million Payroll Barrier for Just a Play-In Spot, Fans Outraged
NBA fans couldn’t believe that the Phoenix Suns reached $400 million in payroll for the upcoming season after signing Josh Okogie to a two-year contract. The Suns made some slight changes this offseason but will likely have the same roster plus a new head coach.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Suns signed Okogie to a two-year, $16 million contract, with the second year of the deal being non-guaranteed. The 25-year-old swingman mostly came off the bench for Phoenix last season, averaging 4.6 points in 16.0 minutes per game.The Suns currently have 15 players on their roster plus two two-way players. They didn’t add any impact players aside from Mason Plumlee, who is a good backup big man. Monte Morris is a solid backup point guard, but he’s not a natural playmaker.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks explained that the Phoenix Suns have exceeded the $400+ million payroll due to their overall salaries ($223M) plus projected tax ($192M). The Suns are a second apron team, so owner Mat Ishbia will have to shell out a lot of money.NBA fans are surprised by what the Suns are doing since they failed to win a single playoff game last season with the current roster they have.
“All this to be a play-in team,” one fan wrote.
“They are a sure playoff team and a sure exit before the WCF,” a fan predicted.
“That’s a lot of money for a first round no show,” another fan commented.
The Phoenix Suns had a trio of superstars in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal but were swept by the young Minnesota Timberwolves led by Anthony Edwards. The West got even better this offseason, so it might be hard for some fans to see how they could compete next season.
“All that and they’ll be lucky to avoid the play-in,” a fan claimed.
“200M in taxes is insane for 1st or 2nd round exit,” one fan remarked.
“Wow. I don’t think they get past the first round next season,” another fan shared.
As mentioned above, the Phoenix Suns have 15 players on their roster plus two two-way contracts. The Suns might be done making moves this offseason unless they add another two-way contract or decide to cut a contracted player in place of a better one.
But following the Josh Okogie signing, here’s how the Suns’ depth chart will look like next season:
PG: Bradley Beal and Monte Morris.
SG: Devin Booker, Damion Lee and Ryan Dunn.
SF: Grayson Allen, Josh Okogie and Nassir Little.
PF: Kevin Durant, Royce O’Neal, David Roddy and Oso Ighodaro.
C: Jusuf Nurkic, Mason Plumlee and Bol Bol.
Two-Way Contracts: Collin Gillespie and Jalen Bridges.
