The Suns carry a $213.8M payroll over the first apron and open Cup play against Denver at 1-2, sitting 11th, a game back of sixth. The honest answer leans no for now, with one real caveat: the expensive guards produce when they get the minutes.
The case for. Booker dropped 43 on the Warriors in the lone win, and Jalen Green scored 20 at Oklahoma City. With a teammate out, Dillon Brooks has logged 39 minutes and 28.7 points a game over his last three outings, and Green's minutes have climbed by 13 a night. The scoring Jordan Ott was handed is real.
The case against. Booker is shooting 22.2 percent from three over three games, Miles Bridges 20.0. Phoenix has allowed 124.5 points per 100 possessions while scoring 111.6, a net rating of minus 12.9. The slate opened with an 83-124 loss in Portland. That is not what this kind of payroll is supposed to buy.
Where the dollars sit. Booker earns $57.1M, Green $36.3M, Bridges $22.8M and Brooks $20.0M, and Bradley Beal's $19.4M player option is still on the books. The luxury tax line is $200.4M, and Phoenix is over it and over the first apron. Right now that money buys a 27-55 pace.
Nobody running the show. Hoops Rumors raised the question of locker-room frustration over the lack of a true point guard, and Arizona Sports reported that frustration exists. Luke Kennard told Arizona Sports the position "will be fine." Booker leads with 5.3 assists, and Collin Gillespie adds 4.3 in 24.2 minutes. The big checks went to scorers, not organizers.
The bargains are up front. Khaman Maluach, 20, gives 7.7 points and 7.3 rebounds in 23.4 minutes. Arizona Sports lists Oso Ighodaro as questionable tonight, and when a teammate sits, his minutes jump by 12 a night. Williams remains out with the left shoulder injury, projected back February 3, 2027.
The verdict. Not yet. Phoenix owes its 2027 first to Houston and has swaps tied to its 2028 through 2030 firsts, so the draft offers no way out and the payroll has to pay off now. Scoring is not the problem; the 124.5 defense is. Until the guards defend, this bill buys a fight for 10th, where Golden State sits at 2-3.
Are the Phoenix Suns over the luxury tax?
Yes. Payroll is $213.8M against a $200.4M tax line, and the Suns are also over the first apron.
Do the Suns own their 2027 first-round pick?
No. The 2027 first is owed to Houston, and Phoenix has swaps tied to its 2028, 2029 and 2030 firsts.
