Phoenix Suns trade rumors heat up as Josh Okogie becomes eligible

Josh Okogie’s contract is more than it seems for the Phoenix Suns.

It’s January 15, and while it might feel like just another Wednesday for most, for the Phoenix Suns, it’s a date that may have been circled on their calendar for weeks. Why? Because today marks the moment Josh Okogie officially becomes a tradeable asset.

The Suns signed Okogie to a two-year, $16 million deal this past July, with $8.3 million allocated to this season, thanks to the advantage of holding his Bird rights. It’s also the largest contract of his career since being selected 20th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Josh Okogie brings hustle, tenacity, and relentless energy to the court every time he steps on it. His “Call Me Non-Stop” moniker exists for a reason. But when you look at his performance last season — 16 minutes per game across 60 appearances, averaging 4.6 points on 42/31/75 shooting splits and grabbing 2.6 rebounds — you might wonder why the Suns gave him such a significant deal.

The reason? With his Bird rights, the Suns could structure his $16 million, two-year contract to function as a valuable trade chip. And who would want a player with that salary? Simple: a team looking to shed salary.

As of today, Okogie can officially be included in trade discussions, a notable development with the Suns rumored to be involved in multiple trade talks. Conversations with the Charlotte Hornets, for instance, reportedly involve the possibility of acquiring Nick Richards. Trading Jusuf Nurkic for Richards might require Phoenix to include draft capital, with Charlotte adding another player to balance the deal. But if Okogie were part of the trade? It could work straight up.

The Suns have also reportedly expressed interest in Duop Reath from the Portland Trail Blazers. With Okogie now officially trade-eligible, he becomes a potential piece in reshaping Phoenix’s roster.

The intent behind signing Josh Okogie last July was clear: to create a contract that could be a valuable trade asset. That trade could be just around the corner, especially given the Suns’ recent struggles on the boards.

Losing Okogie would undoubtedly sting. One thing that’s becoming increasingly apparent about this Suns team is their dire need for more players like JO. Defensive-minded, high-energy contributors who can impact the game beyond scoring. Talent is always a priority, but defensive versatility is where this roster is falling short.

It’s no surprise the Suns’ small guard-heavy lineup, featuring Tyus Jones, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, has struggled defensively. None are consistently above-average defenders, and as a group, their shortcomings are even more pronounced. Okogie’s ability to guard the point of attack and provide valuable minutes has been a key component of this team’s defensive efforts.

While parting ways with JO would be a tough pill to swallow, it could be a step toward addressing the team’s glaring deficiencies, particularly in their big-man rotation. Now that Okogie is officially trade-eligible, we’ll see how the Suns choose to navigate this next phase.