Devin Booker did his job in the opener, and the three biggest contracts behind him did not. One game is a small sample, but the cap sheet leaves Phoenix no cheap way out.
Booker held serve. Booker scored 23 in 29 minutes, hitting 7 of 13 shots and 9 of 9 free throws. Bright Side of the Sun noted he attempted zero threes. He averaged 26.1 points last season, and against Portland he still finished minus-43, which says more about the four starters next to him than about him.
The cost of help. Jalen Green earns $36.3M, Miles Bridges $22.8M and Dillon Brooks $20.0M. Green shot 4 of 12, Brooks 4 of 11, and Bridges 3 of 11, including 0 of 5 from deep. Bridges was minus-35. Starters produced 53 points, and Portland led by as many as 52.
The case for patience. This is one game of 82. Mark Williams is out with a left shoulder injury, with an estimated return of Feb. 3, 2027. Oso Ighodaro and Luke Kennard both carry Oct. 24 estimated returns. Green played only 32 games last season, averaging 17.8 points, and Phoenix finished 45-37 at plus-1.4 net.
The case against. Portland opened on a 21-0 run, and Phoenix scored 12 in the first quarter. There were no lead changes and no ties. The only positive plus-minus marks came from reserves Koa Peat at plus-4 and Duop Reath at plus-2. In one week the Suns fell from 15th to 30th in the power rankings.
No exit ramp. Payroll is $213.8M, past the first apron and over the $200.4M tax threshold. The 2027 first-round pick is owed to Houston, and the 2028, 2029 and 2030 firsts are swaps. Hoops Rumors reported a three-year, $29MM extension for Ighodaro. The front office has little to trade and little room to add.
The answer. On this evidence, no. Booker's production is real, and the help is not yet worth what it costs. Since the money is fixed, the answer has to come from Green and Bridges playing close to last season's 17.8 and 17.1 points. If they don't, Booker keeps carrying a bill nobody else is paying down.
When will Mark Williams return for the Suns?
Williams is out with a left shoulder injury and has an estimated return date of Feb. 3, 2027.
How badly did the Suns lose their season opener?
Phoenix lost 124-83 at Portland on Oct. 21 after trailing by as many as 52. Devin Booker led the Suns with 23 points.
