USA Today via Reuters
May 1, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts in the second half against the Denver Nuggets during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 1, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts in the second half against the Denver Nuggets during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Phoenix Suns have been one of the most active teams on the trade market in the past few seasons. Just months after making a statement signing in the form of Kevin Durant, they recently signed Bradley Beal while sending Chris Paul away. As a result, they once faced the risk of having to pay a huge $90 million luxury tax because of outrageous salaries.
It seems the Suns have solved a part of their problem. According to a recent update, they are trading away a 28-year-old star in order to save on luxury taxes, which also signals the arrival of a 7?2″ NBA giant.??
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Phoenix Suns set to save on luxury taxes with the latest trade
The Suns have freed some much-needed cap space while also vacating roster space with their latest trade. Their latest moves will see 28-year-old Cameron Payne switching sides with the San Antonio Spurs.
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NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Playoffs-Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns May 11, 2023 Phoenix, Arizona, USA Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne 15 and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant 35 during the second half of game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Footprint Center. Phoenix Footprint Center Arizona USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJoexCamporealex 20230511_jca_aa9_036
A second-round pick and cash is also included in the deal, which saves around $15 million in luxury taxes for the Phoenix Suns. Payne earned $6 million last season and was set to earn $6.5 million next season.?
The Athletic’s Shams Charania confirmed the Payne trade, while eminent journalist Evan Sidery added some other details about the Suns’ plans.?
The Suns will save around $15 million in luxury tax payments salary dumping Cam Payne to the Spurs.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 16, 2023
Phoenix now has a roster spot available to sign Bol Bol to a minimum contract. https://t.co/fFmo8kABcZ
Additionally, he also revealed that the Suns will be signing 7-foot-2 inches tall, Bol Bol.
The 23-year-old son of NBA veteran Manute Bol will be signed to a one-year minimum contract. He had his best season with the Orlando Magic last year, averaging 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
Does Kevin Durant have an NBA-winning team around him?
Despite recent disappointments, the Suns still have a great roster. A starting backcourt of Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker instantly makes them a title contender next season.
Moreover, they have one of the deepest rosters in the league with good role players coming off the bench. However, they still have a lot to prove to their large fanbase after failing to win silverware.
What are your thoughts on the Phoenix Suns’ trades? Let us know in the comments below.
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Written by
Edited by
Sharan Nair