Given the history of Big 3s in recent NBA storylines, it just seemed natural to continue that narrative with the Phoenix Suns as well. The trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal weren’t particularly effective in the 2023-24 season. Of course, there were many reasons, such as Beal’s terrible luck with injuries, not enough floor time with the three together, and more. But none of that really mattered in the grander scheme of things, where an underwhelming season often translated to a break-up of the trio.

However, it seems Mat Ishbia isn’t too fond of general storylines. It’s all about exceptions with the franchise owner! And that was why when Stephen A. Smith sparked a Booker to the Knicks rumor, Ishbia immediately shut it down. In fact, the United Wholesale Mortgage CEO left no room for interpretation when he stated, “Devin Booker’s the face of the franchise and he’s going to be for the next 10-plus years until he retires.” 

It was the same with Durant, too. Considering the veteran forward’s history of switching teams, fans eagerly devoured the surfaced trade rumors like a Thanksgiving turkey! Ishbia, once again, was at hand to dispel any such notions. Ahead of the NBA Draft, the 44-year-old took to X to clear the air. “Phoenix loves Kevin Durant and Kevin Durant loves Phoenix, and we are competing for a championship this year because we have the team to do it,” he wrote, with a promise laced with ultimate confidence.

This vote of confidence seemed to have worked wonders! So much so that the face of the franchise, D-Book, was thoroughly impressed. “Never seen an owner do something like that before. It just shows you what type of guy Mat is. He’s all in to the group that we have. We believe in the group that we have and the talent that we have,” the Suns’ reporter for AZ Sports tweeted Devin’s reply.

While it was certainly impressive and admirable, there could have been another factor that lent credibility to these rumors, namely, their finances.

The staggering financial report of the Phoenix Suns might just be enough to create history

The NBA’s evolving luxury tax system and the new Collective Bargaining Agreement have all put the ‘Valley of the Sun’ in quite the dilemma. Well, more of a cul-de-sac than a dilemma, we suppose. For one, the CBA limits Pheonix’s ability to sign external free agents above minimum salary, thanks to their place above the second apron. Add the increasing penalties for high-spending teams and the Suns are projected to create history in the 2025-26 season.

As per cap specialist, Yossi Gozlan, they could exceed $500 million! “What’s even crazier is the Phoenix Suns 2025-26 payroll projection. Their payroll and tax are projected to exceed $500 million next season. That’s because starting next season, tax rates increase by an additional $1 after the third tax level. Also, they’ll be entering the repeater tax, increasing their tax rates by an additional $2. You can see why many consider this upcoming season a make-or-break year for them.”

However, could this happen? The simple answer is – the re-signing of key players. In the earlier post that detailed the Suns‘ expenditure for the 2024-25 season, that is our upcoming NBA season, Gozlan provided the answer. The trade deadline acquisition and free agent, Royce O’Neale, signed a 4-year $44 million extension with the Suns about a week ago.

Even if the veteran forward’s annual salary starts as low as $9.8 million, the franchise’s total costs will come to around $379 million, just second to last year’s Warriors ($384 million). Of course, O’Neale wasn’t the only player who received the big bucks. Another key piece, Grayson Allen, also agreed to a four-year $70 million contract. And then there’s our Big 3.

Beal holds a no-trade clause. Devin Booker does not even get close to the ‘T’ of a trade scenario, obviously. And KD is not too far behind in terms of substantial contracts, along with Jusuf Nurkić. The total salary for the 2025-26 season is expected to be $234,450,460. The luxury tax is projected to stand at $188,480,000. However, given that the Suns would be repeat offenders by this time, the luxury tax payment increases to $291,319,906, bringing the total to a whopping $525,770,266!

See how it isn’t that big of a shocker? What do you make of the Suns’ state of affairs? Can Phoenix stay true to its name and rise from its ashes to make good on Mat Ishbia’s confidence in them? Let us know your thoughts below.

Before you go, though, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe. Don’t forget to check back in for more such updates from our ES Fancast!