The Suns carry $213.8M against a $165.0M cap, past both the $200.4M luxury tax and a $209.0M first apron, while sitting 1-2. Next summer's sheet drops Miles Bridges' $22.8M, but Devin Booker climbs to $61.0M and the 2027 first belongs to Houston.
Where the money sits. Phoenix's $213.8M payroll clears the $165.0M salary cap, the $200.4M luxury tax and a $209.0M first apron. The second apron sits at $221.7M. That is a narrow band, and any move this season has to fit inside it without touching that final line.
Booker's number climbs. Devin Booker earns $57.1M now and $61.0M next season, the top of a sheet built around his extension through 2029-30. Through three games he has put up 23.0 points a night with 5.3 assists, shooting 22.2 percent from deep. The heat is there; the jumper has not followed yet.
Green's option looms. Jalen Green costs $36.3M this season, and his $36.0M for 2027-28 is a player option. He gave Phoenix 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting in Oklahoma City. With a teammate out, his minutes have jumped 13 a night over three games, a short sample but a useful one before that choice arrives.
Bridges comes off. Miles Bridges at $22.8M is the largest salary missing from the 2027-28 sheet. He shot 7-of-17 and finished a team-worst -17 in the 114-125 loss at Oklahoma City. Valley of the Suns argued the trade for him looks worse next to the early play of Charlotte's Allen and O'Neale.
Dead money and depth. Bradley Beal, bought out in July 2025, still counts $19.4M this season and $19.4M next. Haywood Highsmith, waived October 17, adds $1.0M. Mark Williams draws $11.7M and is out with a left shoulder injury, with an estimated return of February 3, 2027. That is real money that is not on the floor.
The Ighodaro piece. Oso Ighodaro makes $2.3M now with a $2.5M team option for 2027-28. Reports on October 18 said he agreed to a three-year, $29MM extension, and the team has not announced it. His status was upgraded from out on October 27, with an estimated return of October 30.
Picks, mostly swaps. Phoenix owes its 2027 first-round pick to Houston and its 2029 second to New York. The 2028, 2029 and 2030 firsts are all swaps, as are the remaining seconds. With no unencumbered first on the list and a payroll past the tax, the trade toolbox is thin.
Are the Suns over the luxury tax in 2026-27?
Yes. Their $213.8M payroll is past the $200.4M luxury tax and a $209.0M first apron, but still under the $221.7M second apron.
Who owns the Suns' 2027 first-round pick?
Houston owns it. Phoenix's first-round picks from 2028 through 2030 are all swaps.
