Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and guard Bradley Beal (3) and forward Kevin Durant (35). Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Suns' expensive roster is still too flawed to contend

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Jul 12, 2024 5:17 PM ET

The Phoenix Suns were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs after finishing as the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Phoenix's roster had struggled throughout the season. It lacked a genuine playmaker and was short on reliable wing defenders. Former head coach Frank Vogel was the scapegoat following the team's failure and has since been replaced by Mike Budenholzer.

The Suns are a second-apron luxury tax team. Therefore, their ability to maneuver in free agency is limited. Nevertheless, they were able to secure Josh Okogie's future with the franchise. He agreed to a two-year $16 million deal on Thursday.

Free agent F Josh Okogie has agreed on a two-year, $16 million deal to stay with the Phoenix Suns, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Okogie's agent, Calvin Andrews of Klutch Sports, has been negotiating the new contract with Suns officials. pic.twitter.com/95Jifwr2m4
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 12, 2024

According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Suns' decision to extend Okogie a new deal has pushed the team's payroll to over $400 million, including luxury tax penalties. Phoenix is now the most expensive roster in NBA history.

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

Despite Phoenix's incredibly expensive roster, the front office has been unable to address the team's biggest issues. Mason Plumlee and Monte Morris are the only two additions this summer. Plumlee is a reliable big who can help anchor the paint and protect the rim. Morris is a reliable secondary or tertiary guard off the bench. Neither of them are needle-movers in terms of competing for a championship.

The flaws that limited Phoenix's upside last season are still glaring. Sure, the Suns have arguably the best offensive trio in the NBA. Budenholzer must hope he can get Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on the same page.

It's the Suns' only hope of making a push in a deep Western Conference.

If Phoenix fails again next season, it's only logical to expect the front office to begin tearing the roster down. After all, you can't invest $400 million for a first-round exit in two consecutive seasons.

Budenholzer has one of the toughest jobs in the NBA next season.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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