10 Impending NBA free agents who could earn a payday down the stretch
By Dalton Sell
2. Josh Okogie, Phoenix Suns
When the Phoenix Suns signed Josh Okogie to a minimum deal in free agency this past off-season, not many people batted an eye. However, Okogie has caught plenty of attention over the past few months in Phoenix, having played some of the best basketball of his young career.
Okogie has brought some added defensive intensity to the Suns, having given this team a mighty spark on that side of things consistently. Offensively, he’s been hot and cold, but the guard proved he could have an impact on that end by averaging 16.1 points per game over a seven-game run in February. Due to his strong efforts lately, Okogie has been Phoenix’s starting two guard as of late, and he has certainly earned it. With players like Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Kevin Durant in the mix, Okogie won’t garner the most attention, but he’ll be a role player this team relies on.
If he continues to play this well as the Suns look to claw their way back to the NBA Finals, Okogie will be in the market for a raise this offseason. His $2 million “prove it deal” expires this summer, and it would not be shocking if several teams wanted him. He’d help fortify a defense wherever he landed. His stock may only continue to grow moving forward.