Nigerian basketball player Josh Okogie has signed a new deal with the Phoenix Suns, worth a staggering ₦26 billion naira. This agreement, which keeps him with the team until 2026, was finalized on Thursday, MySportDab reports.
Okogie, who became a free agent after declining his $2.95 million player option on June 28, agreed to a two-year contract worth $16 million (approximately 26 billion naira). This will mark his third year with the Suns following his tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Phoenix Suns now hold the highest payroll in the NBA for the 2024–25 season. Prior to Okogie’s contract, the team’s payroll was just over $220 million, significantly surpassing the league’s second luxury tax cap of $188.9 million. The additional tax on top of salaries is anticipated to be around $200 million, underscoring the team’s hefty financial commitments.
Since Mat Ishbia took over as the team’s owner in February 2023, he has demonstrated a strong willingness to invest in player salaries, a trend that continues with Okogie’s new deal. Notably, the second year of Okogie’s contract includes an unguaranteed compensation structure, which adds a layer of flexibility for the Suns.
Okogie, standing at 6-foot-4, is entering his seventh NBA season. Over the last two seasons, he has averaged 6.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.8 steals while shooting 40% from the field in 17.5 minutes per game. During his first season with the Suns, he started in 26 of his 72 games.
However, his numbers and minutes saw a decrease in the 2023–24 campaign. By the end of last season, Okogie was no longer a starter and logged only 29 minutes in the Suns’ 3-1 playoff series loss to Minnesota.
Despite his fluctuating performance, the Suns value Okogie’s defensive prowess, quickness, rebounding ability in traffic, and athleticism.
His contributions on the defensive end and his potential for growth make him a valuable asset for the team. 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 contract, Okogie is poised to continue his career with the Phoenix Suns, bringing his defensive skills and athleticism to the forefront as the team aims for future successes.
His role in the team’s strategy will be closely watched as he works to improve his consistency and overall impact on the court.
