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.
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.