The Phoenix Suns head into the 2024-25 season with the most expensive lineup in the entire league, especially if they retain both two-time champion Kevin Durant and All-Star guard Devin Booker . Their last spot on the roster, however, has been handed to Josh Okogie is a move that has everyone intrigued.
Okogie played college basketball at Georgia Tech from 2016 to 2018, where he emerged as a standout player. As a freshman, he averaged 16.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game and was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team. As a sophomore, he led Georgia Tech in scoring with 18.2 points per game and was named Third-Team All-ACC.
The Georgia Tech standout entered the 2018 NBA draft and was selected 20th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He played four seasons with the Timberwolves, establishing himself as a strong defensive player and contributing on both ends of the floor. In 2022, Okogie signed with the Phoenix Suns as a free agent.
In addition to his NBA career, Okogie represents the Nigerian national team and participated in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Known for his athletic ability and tenacious defense, Okogie continues to be an important part of the Suns’ roster as they aim to compete for an NBA championship.
Phoenix Suns Re-Sign Josh Okogie Using the 15th and Last Roster Spot
Just recently, the Suns finalized their roster for the upcoming season by re-signing Okogie to a new deal. According to a tweet by Duane Rankin on X, the former Minnesota rookie has inked a two-year extension with Phoenix.
OFFICIAL: Phoenix Suns re-sign Josh Okogie.@azcentral confirmed through sources 2-year deal, $16M. 2nd year non-guaranteed.
This puts the Suns at 15 players for standard roster. They can have more for training camp, but must reach that number by start of regular season. #Suns pic.twitter.com/ydbNvIq3Wo
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) July 13, 2024
The move itself has drawn attention from basketball fans due to the possibility of being used as a trade chip for future deals. While other players may have made more sense for Phoenix, such as Brooklyn Nets’ Lonnie Walker IV, the Suns chose to stick with Okogie, a player who only averaged 4.6 points and 2.6 rebounds in 16.0 minutes per game last season.
It remains to be seen whether Phoenix deals Okogie and other pieces in the future or they choose to keep him. In any case, the Suns aren’t likely done making moves to improve their roster.
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