Examining Suns' Salary Cap, Decisions for 2026 NBA Free Agency after Loss to Thunder

A late collapse kept the Phoenix Suns out of the playoffs last season, but their retooled roster took a step forward this year.

Phoenix posted a 45-37 record—a nine-win increase—and reached the NBA play-in tournament. Ultimately, the Suns exited postseason competition with a first-round loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

And now, Phoenix is entering offseason mode.

Given the amount of key players under contract, the summer months may be a bit quieter for the franchise yet include a fresh wave of optimism.

All salary and contract data via Spotrac and HoopsHype.

2026 Salary Cap

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Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks

Will the roster actually look the same? Fair question, we'll address that.

Strictly based on contracts, though, the Suns could run it back. Devin Booker is due a team-high $57.1 million, while both Jalen Green ($36 million) and Dillon Brooks ($21 million) are under team control for another year.

In addition, so are Grayson Allen ($18.1 million), Royce O'Neale ($10.9 million) and five others—plus restricted free agent Mark Williams.

Yes, the $19.4 million buyout for Bradley Beal is on the books. That's a hefty number, and Phoenix is trending to crest the projected $201 million luxury tax with the first ($209 million) and second ($222 million) aprons in play.

Still, this is a manageable outlook for the Suns.

Top Contract Decisions

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Mark Williams

Acquired via a draft-day trade last summer, Mark Williams put together a nice season with the Suns. He was an active rebounder and overall a steady piece.

Phoenix also extracted great value out of low-dollar guards Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin. Both essentially played a full season, shot efficiently from the perimeter and bolstered the backcourt.

Of course, however, the bill always comes due.

Williams is a restricted free agent, but Gillespie and Goodwin are headed for the open market. Phoenix would like to keep all three, presumably, but it might require a little creativity—or, in other words, a trade.

Might the Suns move on from Green or Allen before their respective player options next offseason? What about a sign-and-trade if Williams is too pricey for their comfort? O'Neale may be a candidate to move, as well.

Phoenix doesn't need to make a flurry of changes yet clearly has a path, if desired.

Free Agents to Pursue

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Collin Gillespie

As always, the plan is contingent on whether the front office decides to make any trades. If the Suns trade Player X or Player Y, that alters free-agent plans.

No matter those possible deals, Phoenix should be looking to keep Gillespie and Goodwin. They'll each receive a raise, sure, but neither one is likely to command a salary out of the Suns' range.

Williams is another obvious pick, although his asking price will determine if a sign-and-trade better fits Phoenix's plans.

Externally, it's an interesting question.

Injuries stung the roster all year, yet Phoenix generally played well. That might lead the Suns to focus on improvements at the margins, like defensive rebounding and depth in the backcourt.

Some options in those categories are Jaxson Hayes, Mitchell Robinson, Bones Hyland and Josh Okogie. John Collins is an intriguing free agent who shouldn't break the bank yet seems redundant if O'Neale, for example, is back.