Suns Retain Okogie on Two-Year ContractSuns Retain Okogie on Two-Year Contract The Phoenix Suns have completed their roster by re-signing forward Josh Okogie to a two-year, $16 million contract. The contract is reportedly non-guaranteed in the second year. Okogie will fill the final active spot on Phoenix’s roster for the 2024-25 season. He provides a defensive boost to the roster, having been one of Phoenix’s best defenders last season. However, his lack of shooting ability has limited his playing time. Despite his offensive limitations, Okogie’s defensive presence is valuable. He can guard multiple positions in the half-court and can apply full-court pressure when necessary. He has proven to be an effective defender against opposing stars. According to reports, several teams were interested in Okogie before he returned to Phoenix. However, the Suns ultimately secured his services, giving them a reliable defensive option off the bench. Okogie’s re-signing is part of the Suns’ effort to build continuity within the roster. General manager James Jones has emphasized the importance of retaining key players who have contributed to the team’s success. With the addition of Okogie, the Suns now have a well-rounded roster that should compete for a championship in the 2024-25 season.
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns have completed their roster.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that the Suns are bringing back forward Josh Okogie on a two-year, $16 million contract. The contract is reportedly non-guaranteed in the second year.
Okogie will fill the 15th and final active spot on Phoenix’s roster for the 2024-25 season, with Mike Budenholzer coaching his first season in the Valley.
According to Charania, there were several teams interested in Okogie before he returned to Phoenix.
Okogie’s deal is not guaranteed in the second season, giving the Suns freedom of choice, sources said. The 6-foot-4 defender had several teams interested and agreed to a new Suns deal on Thursday. https://t.co/6EGR2PtPni
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 12, 2024
Okogie was one of Phoenix’s best defenders last season, though his lack of shooting often made him a liability in the lineup. With Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker stealing the spotlight on the court, the Suns need their role players to consistently hit open looks, something Okogie simply hasn’t been able to do.
Still, Okogie bolsters Phoenix’s defensive capabilities by defending offensive players in half-court situations, and can even deploy them full-court to push the pace when needed.
When the Suns needed a strong defender, Okogie was typically the go-to guy to slow down a strong player.
Phoenix reportedly took its final spot with Okogie and guard Kyle Lowry. After Lowry returned to the Philadelphia 76ers, the decision became fairly easy for general manager James Jones.
Okogie will now spend his third season with the Suns after initially entering the league with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bol Bol, Royce O’Neale and Damion Lee are other players who re-signed with Phoenix this free agency cycle while Drew Eubanks and Eric Gordon left the organization.
Okogie was expected to re-sign with the Suns, and that now appears to be a reality.
The Suns are also continuing to build continuity with the roster that will start the 2024 season, which has been a goal since the start of the off-season.
