Phoenix opens at Portland on October 21 with most of its October roster reports already settled. The reports still open carry modest confidence scores, and a $213.8M payroll with thin draft capital limits any new move.
The cuts are real. Three exits are confirmed. John Gambadoro reported Haywood Highsmith's release on October 17 and CJ Huntley's on October 19, each with a confidence score of 50. A Hoops Rumors item on October 19 had Koby Brea being waived, and that one is confirmed too. None of the three is on the current roster.
Bigs on the margins. Hoops Rumors reported on October 19 that Duop Reath's deal would be converted to a two-way contract, and that is confirmed. The Drew Timme waiver claim from the same day still shows as open at confidence 43, but Timme is on the roster. That report has effectively settled itself.
Ighodaro's number. On October 18 Hoops Rumors reported three years and $29 million for Oso Ighodaro at confidence 50, still open. Duane Rankin reported talks the same day at 47. Arizona Sports ran Ighodaro speaking about the extension. It is credible, but it is still a report and not yet filed as done.
The low-score tier. Brian Gregory's comments on Ott, Booker, Bridges and Green score 24. The 2027-28 options on Ryan Dunn and Khaman Maluach score 22. Dillon Brooks' misdemeanor DUI charge, reported September 30, scores 20 with no reported resolution. Brooks has kept playing anyway. The scores are low, but the Brooks case is the one to keep an eye on.
Cap sheet check. Payroll stands at $213.8M, above the apron and $13.4M beyond the $200.4 million luxury tax threshold. Devin Booker earns $57.1M, Jalen Green $36.3M, Miles Bridges $22.8M and Brooks $20.0M, and Bradley Beal's $19.4M is still on the books. With that much committed, every addition costs real money.
Picks are thin. Phoenix owes its 2027 first-round pick to Houston and its 2029 second to New York. Most of its other picks through 2030 are swaps. Any trade rumor has to get past that: little draft capital, a taxpaying payroll and Mark Williams out with a shoulder injury until an estimated February 3.
Opening night health. Ighodaro was cleared on October 21. Luke Kennard's knee listing projects an October 21 return, and Arizona Sports called him questionable for the opener. Portland lists Shaedon Sharpe and Chris Youngblood as out, and Deni Avdija, who averaged 24.2 points last season, is day-to-day with his right ankle.
Did the Suns sign Oso Ighodaro to an extension?
Hoops Rumors reported a three-year, $29 million extension on October 18. It is still listed as an open report, not a completed deal.
Are the Suns over the luxury tax?
Yes. Phoenix's payroll is $213.8M, against a $200.4 million luxury tax threshold.
