Booker's Media Day Praise for Maluach, and Ishbia's Money Talk

Ishbia's money talk. Owner Mat Ishbia opened media day by confirming he plans to stay in Phoenix long-term, then told reporters, including ESPN and the Associated Press, that a rough quarter at his mortgage company, UWM, will not affect Suns spending or plans.

Praise for Maluach. Devin Booker offered high praise for rookie center Khaman Maluach at media day, and Arizona Sports wrote that Maluach made a big leap over the offseason. He is the youngest player on the roster at 20, still without an NBA game played.

Reath's foot question. Duop Reath signed with Phoenix on September 25 and was almost immediately listed as questionable with a foot injury, expected back around October 1. Valley of the Suns floated a two-way contract as one way to ease the center logjam without cutting him loose.

Williams still out. Mark Williams remains sidelined by a shoulder injury first flagged September 11, with a reported surgery afterward and an estimated return around February 3. Camp opens without him, leaving Maluach and Ighodaro to share center minutes in the meantime.

Green picks a mentor. Jalen Green sought advice from a Suns legend this offseason to sharpen his game, per Bright Side of the Sun. Green averaged 17.8 points a game in 32 outings last season after arriving from Houston in the Kevin Durant trade.

Camp calendar ahead. Preseason opens October 5 at Detroit, followed by Chicago on October 7 and two meetings with San Antonio on October 10 and 14. The regular-season opener is set for October 21 at Portland, with Phoenix still 0-0 heading in.

Payroll picture. Phoenix carries a $216.2 million payroll, over the $200.4 million tax threshold and past the apron limits that restrict trade flexibility. Booker, Green, Bridges, Brooks and Beal account for the largest deals on the books.