Defender, community hero, or trade asset? Exploring Josh Okogie’s contract situation with Phoenix and the state of cheeseburgers.
Can the Suns afford to keep Josh Okogie—or is a trade on the horizon?
Okogie’s mid-level contract might be their best route to adding depth, with the Phoenix Suns capped out and limited by the second apron. I know you’ve thought about it. That contract looks like it was designed for this…wasn’t it?
While he’s beloved for his energy and hustle, let’s discuss whether packaging Okogie with their remaining picks could yield a more impactful return—and whether it’s even necessary so early in the season.
However, it would be remiss of me to discuss the contract only without looking at the man behind the money.
The Man Behind Non-Stop
Did you know? Josh Okogie is more than just a Phoenix Suns player—he’s a man with a heart as big as his hustle.
Spending the off-season back in Snellville, Georgia, at his old stomping grounds [Shiloh High School, Snellville, Georgia], Josh hosted his second annual “Non-Stop Summer Carnival.”
It’s in the name: “Non-Stop.” He’s not just a player who doesn’t quit on the court but someone who doesn’t stop giving back, either. And that, right there, makes this upcoming trade talk feel bittersweet—contrived even.
But let’s not kid ourselves: Okogie’s heartwarming community work is only part of the equation. In the cruel, numbers-first world of NBA roster management, his shiny new $8.25 million contract has Suns fans wondering if Non-Stop’s run in Phoenix will soon end. [You wanted me to say stop, didn’t you?].
The big question is: was this contract designed to keep him here, or is it bait for some trade deadline drama?
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
What’s the Trade Buzz About?
The chatter around Okogie’s contract isn’t just idle gossip. With Phoenix’s capped-out payroll at a whopping $234.5 million, the Suns’ options to bring in new players are limited. Actually, limited is putting it generously—no cap [as the kids say].
What they do have, however, is Okogie’s salary and a couple of tradeable picks—the ‘28 and ‘29 second round Memphis picks, plus their own ‘31 pick. So, what gives? Why all this focus on the Okogie contract?
The likely answer? Trade bait. That $8.25 million figure is one of the few manageable contracts on the Suns’ books, and it positions him (alongside the picks) as a prime candidate to get moved when Phoenix is itching for an upgrade later in the season. No disrespect to Josh, but in a world dominated by second-apron restrictions, contracts like his are the chess pieces GMs move around to squeeze out value.
What Do Teams Want from Okogie?
So, what’s Josh got that other teams might want? For starters, his defense. The man plays like he’s powered by an unholy mix of jet fuel and caffeine. He’s a pesky on-ball defender, and every team in the league covets a guy like that, especially come playoff time. He’s also a solid rebounder for his size and shows flashes of shooting [you have to squint, but it’s there] that could be attractive to a team looking for an energy boost off the bench.
But let’s be honest, it’s not all about Josh.
The Suns’ picks could be the real sweeteners in any potential trade package. Teams rebuilding or those looking for future assets would love to snatch up those picks [mainly that Suns pick in 2031—we’re all worried how the team’s pick that year could be very valuable—making Okogie’s inclusion a way to balance the books.
The value isn’t just in the player himself but in the overall package Phoenix can offer. Okogie might be the wrapping on the gift—those picks are the prize inside.
Trade Options—What’s Out There?
Now for the fun part: If Phoenix does decide to trade Okogie, what kind of player can they get back?
Let’s break down some comparable contracts.
Here’s the bleak reality—players with the exact same value as Okogie? Yeah, there’s not a lot going on there. In fact, I’ve listed every player whose contract is identical to Okogie’s here:
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Some list.
It gets interesting to see who is in the slightly cheaper price range [because the Suns sure can’t take higher contracts on for Okogie].
Any of these names interest you?
Ron Holland
Kevon Looney
Jock Landale
Cody Martin
Trey Lyles
Perhaps more to the point, would any of these players make a significant difference for the Suns? Well, maybe?
Looney’s rebounding and championship experience could help, and Lyles has shown value as a stretch big. But none of these names exactly scream, “Championship upgrade!” It’s more like trading a cheeseburger for another cheeseburger, just one with a different type of cheese. And at that point, it becomes subjective. Cheddar? American? Brie?
The Suns would likely need to package Okogie with some of those future picks to get a real difference-maker. There isn’t a difference-maker visible in that crew. And that’s where things get dicey because future picks are precious in this second-apron world.
Should Suns Fans Even Be Talking Trades Right Now?
So, should Suns fans even be thinking about trading Josh Okogie right now? Honestly?
Probably not—at least not yet. It’s the start of the season. Okogie could be in a good position to play a key role as the Suns test the waters with their revamped lineup. After all, someone needs to defend the point-of-attack guards and wings of the world.
And what if he starts making that three-ball?
There’s a chance he plays his way into an untouchable category. On the flip side, if Phoenix does falter in a key area, they may be forced to look at trades, and Okogie’s contract gives them some flexibility—limited, but not impossible.
For now, though, Suns fans should sit back, enjoy Okogie’s relentless hustle, and save the trade talk for when the deadline drama heats up. Let’s see where the Suns stand come mid-season before packing Non-Stops bags.
All right, best cheeseburger recipes, go!