Phoenix Suns
Unlike the Thunder, Nuggets, Kings, and Magic, Phoenix isn’t facing a huge financial crisis. But the Suns do need to stay under the luxury tax this season to reset the repeater tax payer clock. They accomplished the feat this past season, marking the first time in four years that the Suns didn’t have to pay the tax.
“The work isn’t over, as the Suns will need to also stay under the luxury tax line next season (2026-27) to reset their repeating taxpayer clock,” Donnie Druin of Yahoo Sports said. “Doing so will allow Phoenix to be aggressive in terms of free agency and trades (next summer).”
Phoenix is committed to building around Devin Booker. The Suns have 11 players under contract with a salary cap hit of $186.1 million, largely due to $23.1 million in dead money. Therefore, the Suns will begin the offseason $15.3 million clear of the luxury tax. They do have some flexibility, with Haywood Highsmith on a partially guaranteed deal ($1 million of $3.018 million) and Jamaree Bouyea on a nonguaranteed deal ($2.5 million). Highsmith is expected to return.
The biggest decision for the Suns this offseason is what to do with restricted free agent Mark Williams. Williams, who has a qualifying offer of $9.6 million, is coming off a solid season, was extremely efficient, and is expected to draw interest from other teams. The Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Bulls are expected to be suitors.
“Three years, $42 million. The contract would start at $13 million and increase to $15 million in the third season,” Bobby Marks said of his valuation of Williams’ projected salary. “The first year is $2 million less than the non-tax midlevel exception.”
With Colin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin also free agents, the Suns may allow Williams to walk or work out a sign-and-trade. The Suns own Williams’ bird rights. The Suns have the No.47 pick in June’s draft.
If the Suns do re-sign Williams, Royce O’Neale or Grayson Allen may be on the trade block.
