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NBA: 6 teams facing the most pressure to finally win the championship in 2023-24

By Manolis Olandezos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 05: Devin Booker #1 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns celebrate during Game Three of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 05, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 121-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 05: Devin Booker #1 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns celebrate during Game Three of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 05, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 121-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) /

Phoenix Suns

Saying that Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is all-in right now would be an understatement. He gave the green light to trade for Kevin Durant and fire head coach Monty Williams. Ishbia also signed off on trading for Bradley Beal to pair with Durant, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton.

That makes FOUR max contracts on the books in Phoenix. Durant and Beal are still two of the best shooters and scorers in the NBA but are on the wrong side of 30. On paper, the Suns have as talented a foursome as any team in the NBA.

Frank Vogel has been tasked with leading this win-now Suns roster to a championship. However, the only current true point guard on Phoenix’s roster is Jordan Goodwin. Beal or Booker may need to run the point for the Suns. The bench is also a question mark and full of guys on minimum contracts.

As it stands right now, the Suns are projected to pay a luxury tax of $47.7 million in 2023-24, $118.5 million in 2024-25, and $38.5 million in 2025-26. Booker’s supermax extension kicks in next season. Durant and Beal are under contract through 2025-26 at an average of over $50 million per season.

Next. NBA: 3 Sleeper breakout star candidates heading into 2023-24. dark

Given the financial ramifications at stake, there is no team in my opinion with more pressure to win a title next season than the Phoenix Suns.

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