News

Josh Okogie’s Renewed Deal Puts Suns’ Payroll Tax Over $400 Million

With two viciously high salaries in Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, the Phoenix Suns’ critics have them questioning: “How does Phoenix make money work?” Thursday’s contract renewal of Josh Okogie pushed the Suns way over the second luxury tax apron. The move was understandable as Phoenix is desperate for defense since they already possess an abundance of offensive scoring.

Phoenix owes its roster over $223 million this season while the luxury tax is double that amount.

The Suns went 49-33 last season with a roster getting up in age – Durant will be 36 in September, Beal is 31 while Devin Booker will be 28 this October. Phoenix was swept in the first round by the Timberwolves, signaling to ownership that they need to improve to compete in the Western Conference.

Owner Mat Ishbia took the playoff exit to heart as he signed the core three to a combined $150.6 million. However, problems arose when the second apron cut the organization off from traditional ways of roster polishing.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

For example, the Suns can’t trade for more money than they ship out. The second apron doesn’t restrict teams from signing their free agents, resulting in the Suns taking advantage to retain role players. Grayson AllenRoyce O’Neale and Okogie will cost Phoenix almost $33 million. The Suns had no choice but to resign these players since in the case these three players left in free agency, Phoenix wouldn’t have the means to replace these players as the second apron restricts them from making signings.

Christian Bongiorno

Recent Posts

Rob Manfred Insists That Athletics Are On Track For 2028 Move To Las Vegas

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred provided assuring words after questions arose concerning the Athletics' impending move…

1 day ago

Geno Auriemma Breaks All-Time Coaching Wins Record In UConn Win Over Fairleigh Dickinson

UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma made history Wednesday, earning his 1,217th career victory in…

2 days ago

Braves’ Chris Sale Wins N.L. Cy Young Award After Stunning Comeback Season

Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale was named the 2024 N.L. Cy Young Award winner Wednesday,…

2 days ago

Paul George Exits With Knee Injury As 76ers Fall To 2-12 In Loss To Grizzlies

With their big three finally back in action Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers suffered another setback…

3 days ago

VIDEO: Nike Pays Tribute to Rafael Nadal With 30-Foot Projection In Front of Eiffel Tower

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tny--EWynOQ Nike paid tribute to Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal with a 10-meter-tall animated display…

4 days ago

VIDEO: Rafael Nadal Gets Emotional Tribute as He Retires From Tennis

https://youtu.be/dtJoJz9hC48 Tennis legend Rafael Nadal bid a heartfelt goodbye to his devoted Spanish fans as he brought…

4 days ago