The Phoenix Suns have filled their final roster spot. Perhaps they were tired of reading my suggestions each morning, but alas, the roster is full. At least for now. The name that fills that final slot? It is a familiar one: Josh Okogie.
The Phoenix Suns and Josh Okogie have agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal, league sources told @hoopshype. The second year of the deal is non-guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/drh3ljWILc
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 12, 2024
Josh Okogie has been a member of the organization for the past two seasons, establishing himself as one of the longest-tenured players on the team. Originally joining the team through free agency two seasons ago, Okogie demonstrated his commitment and value by choosing to re-sign with the organization last summer. His decision to stay was a testament to both his belief in the team’s vision and his desire to continue growing within the system.
However, this summer brought a new chapter for Okogie. Instead of opting into his player option, he decided to explore his opportunities by testing the open market. This move reflects his desire to evaluate his worth and potential fit with other teams, possibly seeking a new environment or a more significant role.
His move to test the open market move paid off for him as he has signed a two-year, $16 million contract with Phoenix. The second year of the contract is non-guaranteed.
What makes this signing so interesting is how much Phoenix is willing to spend to keep Okogie. James Jones certainly identified defense as a weakness of this team after their underperforming results in 2024. The signing of a JO, per Bobby Marks, makes the Suns the first $400 million team as they will be paying $198 million in tax penalties due to their $223 million roster.
Record breaking numbers in Phoenix
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
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 12, 2024
Ah yes, Phoenix. Spending all of this dough and have nothing to show for it. Yet. Hey, it ain’t my money and I’m okay with Ishbia spending at will.
On the surface, it’s a head-scratcher. Okogie hasn’t exactly been Mr. Reliable over the last two seasons with the organization. We’ve all seen those glimpses of excellence, but consistency? Not so much. We know his ceiling: a quality role-player with a motor that never stops, an approach to the game that could power a small city, and a playing style that makes you forget he’s only 6’4”.
But let’s not kid ourselves: shooting is not in his bag of tricks. If offense were a language, Okogie would be struggling to say “hello.” And yet, here the Suns are, considering shelling out $8 million for his services. That’s a lot of cheddar for a guy who might be allergic to scoring. Sure, his hustle is impressive, and his energy is infectious, but at that price, we might expect more.
Dig a little deeper, and the rationale behind Josh Okogie’s $8 million price tag becomes clearer. The Suns are playing a strategic game of financial chess, needing contracts beyond veteran minimum deals to enhance their roster for the long haul. Enter Okogie, whose deal isn’t just about his on-court contributions but also about navigating the labyrinthine salary cap rules and second apron tax restrictions.
Under these second apron rules, the team is unable to aggregate outgoing salaries, a strategy they successfully employed at the trade deadline last February. This constraint necessitates having players like Okogie with mid-range contracts. Such contracts are golden tickets, offering the flexibility to maneuver within the tight financial landscape, facilitating trades and roster adjustments without triggering punitive tax consequences.
Okogie’s contract, then, is more than just a number—it’s a crucial piece in the Suns’ broader strategy. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife in their financial toolkit, providing multiple options and versatility. While Okogie’s shooting might not light up the scoreboard, his value lies in the financial breathing room his contract provides, allowing the team to pivot and adapt as needed. So, while $8 million might seem steep for a player with offensive limitations, it’s an investment in the Suns’ ability to stay competitive and agile in the high-stakes world of NBA roster management.
Suns will now have 5 contracts next year between $6.75 million and $18.125 million.
The inability to aggregate salaries is one of the biggest hurdles in the second apron but the Suns will have more flexibility on that end if they want to mix things up at the deadline.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) July 12, 2024
No one acquired for the 15th spot on the roster was ever going to be a game-changer. The return of Josh Okogie, however, does fortify team chemistry. Having been with the Suns for two seasons now, he’s familiar with his teammates and becomes the 10th player to return from a season ago. This continuity is invaluable, especially in a league where team dynamics can often mean the difference between a win and a loss.
But the real question is, are the Suns done? Is this the final piece of the puzzle? Enter David Roddy, who will be showcasing his talents in Las Vegas this weekend with the Summer Suns. Roddy is an intriguing prospect, but is he someone the Suns want to hold onto? Or is he a future trade piece, a pawn in the grand chess game of advancing the roster and meeting the team’s evolving needs?
For now, we might be hitting the pause button. The speculation game about who the Suns will pursue in free agency can take a backseat, and for that, I’m thankful. No more late nights trying to predict the next move or analyzing every whisper from the rumor mill.
Be the first to comment