top of page

2024 Free Agents - Josh Okogie

Summary
Okogie has shown some real defensive ability, as he has the size and quickness to guard 1-4. He can be a legitimate lock-down defender on-ball, and also can be disruptive off-ball, as he has very good steal and block rates for a wing. 

However, Okogie has yet to show much of any development offensively, and his minutes steadily decreased in Minnesota since his rookie season as the Timberwolves became deeper and more competitive. However, he has got more minutes since joining the Suns, and even started some games in the 2023 playoffs. 

While Okogie shot a career high from three in '22-'23, he only hit 33%, and his career rate is very poor at 30%, and shot 29% in '23-'24. Despite really struggling shooting the ball, he does add some value offensively with his offensive rebounding, posting an 7.7% offensive rebounding rate in '22-'23, which is in the 98th percentile for his position, according to Cleaning the Glass, and even better in '23-'24 at 8.2%. He has also historically put up good offensive rebounding numbers, so these seasons don't appear to be an outlier. He has also showed some improved passing ability in the last couple years.

Defenses will often leave Okogie left unguarded and load up against the Suns' stars. If he can avoid becoming a liability offensively, that will be huge for him going forward. Okogie needs to become enough of a threat offensively that he can stay on the court.
 
Cap Considerations
Okogie has a $3 million player option for '24-'25, and if he opts out he will be an unrestricted free agent with a $3.7 million cap hold and Early Bird rights. Since the Suns will be operating over the salary cap, they will retain Okogie's Early Bird rights until he is re-signed or signs elsewhere. The Suns could offer Okogie a starting salary of up to 5% more than the average salary (likely around $13 million) using the Early Bird exception, which should be enough should they wish to bring him back.

Other teams will have multiple ways to sign Okogie as even teams without cap space could use any of the Non-Taxpayer MLE, Room MLE, or possibly even the Taxpayer MLE or Bi-Annual Exception to sign him. However, if he opts out it's unlikely he would settle for a minimum offer.

Potential Teams: Suns, Bulls, Hawks, Nuggets, Kings

Predicted Contract: Opt In: $3 million
If opt out: 1-year, $3.5 million with the Suns

Actual Contract: 2-year, $16 million (2nd year non-guaranteed) with the Suns

Okogie was signed for probably an above-market deal, but gives the Suns some more tradable salary if needed, even though it will cost them heavily in luxury tax penalties.

Last updated: 7/14/2024

bottom of page