Nigerian NBA star Josh Okogie signs ₦26 Billion deal with Phoenix Suns
Okogie, who was a free agent, agreed to a two-year contract worth $16 million (about 26 billion naira) on Thursday. This will be his third year with the Suns after previously playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Phoenix Suns now have the highest payroll in the NBA for the 2024–25 season. Before Okogie’s contract, the team’s payroll was just over $220 million, which is well above the league’s second luxury tax cap of $188.9 million. The additional tax on top of salaries is expected to be about $200 million.
Since Mat Ishbia became the team’s owner in February 2023, he has shown a willingness to invest heavily in player salaries. The second year of Okogie’s new deal includes an unguaranteed compensation structure. Okogie turned down his $2.95 million player option on June 28, making him a free agent before re-signing with the Suns.
Josh Okogie is entering his seventh NBA season. The 6-foot-4 player has averaged 6.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.8 steals, and 40% shooting in 17.5 minutes per game over the last two seasons. During his first season with the Suns, he started in 26 of his 72 games, but his numbers and minutes decreased in the 2023–24 campaign.
By the end of last season, Okogie was no longer a starter and only played 29 minutes in the Suns’ 3-1 playoff series loss to Minnesota. Despite his inconsistent play, the Suns value Okogie’s defensive skills, quickness, ability to grab rebounds in traffic, and athleticism.
Okogie celebrated his new deal on social media, stating, “I said we not done yet!!” His backup, Damion Lee, also re-signed with the team after opting out on July 3.
With this new deal, Okogie is set to continue his career with the Phoenix Suns, contributing his talents to the team’s future successes.
