The Big Four of Phoenix Suns Set To Grab $162,900,000 Salary in 2023-24

By Uddipta Das On Jun 21, 2023 0

The Phoenix Suns used to be known as a team that didn’t spend much money under Robert Sarver’s ownership. But now, with new owner Mat Ishbia, they are making big moves and changing their reputation.

The most recent move made by the Phoenix Suns was to trade for Bradley Beal. While the trade itself was considered positive, it came at a high cost for the team.

Phoenix Suns make bold moves

The Big Four, which consists of Beal, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton, will make a total of $162.9 million in the upcoming season. The Phoenix Suns face difficulties as a result of their large payroll.

“The projected apron is $179.5 million.

Kevin Durant: $47,649,433

Bradley Beal: $46,741,590

Devin Booker: $36,016,200

Deandre Ayton: $32,459,438

Total: $162,866,661

If those four guys are on the Suns, they’re basically guaranteed to go above the second apron.”

The projected apron is $179.5 million.

Kevin Durant: $47,649,433
Bradley Beal: $46,741,590
Devin Booker: $36,016,200
Deandre Ayton: $32,459,438

Total: $162,866,661

If those four guys are on the Suns, they're basically guaranteed to go above the second apron.

— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) June 18, 2023

As per Sam Quinn, the second spending limit for the 2023-24 season is set at $179.5 million. If the Suns complete their roster, it is highly likely that they will exceed this limit. Teams that surpass the second spending limit face various penalties, such as losing their taxpayer mid-level exception and restrictions on trading first-round draft picks. These changes in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) were aimed at targeting teams that spend a lot of money, and the Suns find themselves in a challenging situation as a result.

Deandre Ayton should be traded by Suns

The Suns may avoid this problem by trading Ayton and receiving many players in return. This would allow them to keep under the second expenditure cap while also increasing the depth of their team. According to reports, the Suns feel confident in trading Ayton, and it will be interesting to see what they can get in return. Ayton’s value may be low right because of some poor games in the 2023 playoffs.

Ayton was poor in the playoffs and had 13.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. It’s unclear what kind of interest he would generate in the trade market. The Portland Trail Blazers are one team that is interested, and it’s worth keeping an eye on that situation, especially with regards to Damian Lillard’s future.