Suns Still Above Second Apron After Kevin Durant Deal, But Not By Much

The Phoenix Suns have moved Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster trade, but they aren’t below the second tax apron just yet. In fact, their payroll has slightly increased, as noted by Yossi Gozlen of The Third Apron.

Because Phoenix isn’t required to take back salary for the incoming No. 10 pick, projected to make around $6 million, the Suns’ cap sheet actually grew with the trade. That keeps them above the second apron for now, limiting flexibility under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement.

Still, there’s a path to slipping below.

Phoenix could get close by waiving Cody Martin — whose $8.1 million salary is only partially guaranteed — and declining the $7.7 million team option for guard Vasilije Micic. Neither move is guaranteed, but both would give the Suns room to operate without second-apron restrictions.

As it stands, the Suns are taking in Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the No. 10 pick from Houston in exchange for Durant. They’re also receiving five second-rounders. The trade cannot be finalized until July 6 due to the poison pill provision on Green’s rookie extension.

While Phoenix isn’t undergoing a full rebuild, it is clearly shifting gears, and escaping the apron might be the next major step.

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