Report: Josh Okogie declining player option with Phoenix Suns to enter NBA free agency
Josh Okogie is declining his option with the Phoenix Suns to enter free agency, according to a report from Hoops Hype's Michael Scotto.
Okogie joins backup center Drew Eubanks and shooting guard Eric Gordon as players to reportedly decline their options with Phoenix for the 2024-25 season.
Okogie's option is for $2.95 million.
Okogie, a forward known for his defense, averaged 4.6 points per game, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 assist last season. He shot 41.7% from the field and 40.9% from 3-point range. He played in 16 minutes per game for Phoenix.
Okogie played in 60 games with the Suns last season and 72 in the 2022-23 season after signing with Phoenix as a free agent after four seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
NBA Draft grades 2024 for Phoenix Suns: What experts think of Ryan Dunn pick
He averaged 7.3 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game, 1.5 assists per game and shot 39.1% from the field and 33.5% from 3-point range in his first season in Phoenix.
The Suns took Virginia wing Ryan Dunn with the No. 28 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Dunn also is known for his defense and could impact Okogie's role on the team in the future.
PHNX Sports' Gerald Bourguet reported that the Suns could still re-sign Okogie even with his opting out.
"Per a source, Josh Okogie opting out doesn't mean he's gone," Bourguet posted on X. "Suns want to re-sign him for a little more than vet min. Top priority is Royce O'Neale (which they'll get done), then Okogie, then Bol Bol (may be tougher). After that, they'll target a vet min. PG and maybe a 2-guard. The Suns have Okogie's Early Bird rights, which allows a team to re-sign a player for 175% of his previous salary or 105% of the league-average salary in the previous season, whichever is greater."
NBA Draft grades 2024 for Phoenix Suns: What experts think of Oso Ighodaro pick
Per a source, Josh Okogie opting out doesn't mean he's gone. Suns want to re-sign him for a little more than vet min. Top priority is Royce O'Neale (which they'll get done), then Okogie, then Bol Bol (may be tougher). After that, they'll target a vet min. PG and maybe a 2-guard
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) June 28, 2024
The Suns have Okogie's Early Bird rights, which allows a team to re-sign a player for 175% of his previous salary or 105% of the league-average salary in the previous season, whichever is greater.
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) June 28, 2024
Reach Jeremy Cluff at . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns' Josh Okogie declining player option, report says
