Just a couple of weeks ago, Phoenix Suns coach Frank Vogel talked about the possibility of starting Cam Payne alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Now, it seems like he’ll have to hit the drawing board again, as they just traded him to the San Antonio Spurs alongside a second-round pick in return for a future second-rounder.
Notably, this move will have huge financial implications for the team, as explained by ESPN’s salary cap expert, Bobby Marks.
Per Marks, trading Payne and signing Bol Bol will save the Suns a whopping $26.4 million in luxury tax savings.
$26.4M in tax savings after the Payne trade and Bol signing.
Pre Trade
$79.5M penalty
Post Trade
$53.1M penalty https://t.co/BVrOL1yDkQ
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 16, 2023
They had to pay a $79.5 million fine, which has now gone down to $53.1 million.
Of course, we’re still talking about a lot of money, and Payne had become a steady contributor and a big part of their rotation, but — with all due respect to the former first-round pick — that impact might not be worth all that much money.
The Suns have done an outstanding job in the offseason, replenishing their draft capital and adding plenty of depth to most positions.
Nonetheless, playmaking could still be a major issue sans Chris Paul, as they want to put the ball in Beal’s hands as the primary ball-handler.
Beal and Devin Booker have shown an ability to run the offense every now and then, but neither is a pass-first kind of guy or a traditional point guard by any means.
Even so, they still have some assets to try and flip for another point guard if things go south in the first couple of months.
NEXT: The Suns Are Trading A Veteran Guard To The Spurs
