In the new season, the Suns spent a lot of money to bring in Durant, Beal and Booker in one fell swoop, and the total annual salary expenditure soared to a staggering $50 million, setting a new record in NBA history.
This move has put the Suns under financial pressure like Mount Tai, and the total salary cap has soared to $22.8 billion.
The luxury tax triggered by the high spending also set an unprecedented $22.1 billion, bringing the total spending for the season to a record of $400 million.
In contrast, after the introduction of Durant, the Warriors perfectly interpreted the true meaning of the "input-output ratio" with a brilliant record of two championships.
However, after the Suns recruited Durant and formed the luxury triumvirate in 2024, their playoff performance was a big surprise.
First eliminated by the Nuggets in the first round, and then swept by the Timberwolves, this is undoubtedly a huge irony of its high salary investment.
Such a huge financial investment, in exchange for a dismal return on the field, is really embarrassing.
At the same time, the Suns' financial strategy has also been criticized.
Before the trade deadline, they had the opportunity to reduce the burden of the luxury tax by adjusting the roster, but the high salary and heavy taxes did not translate into the desired record, which is tantamount to seeking fish.
The Rockets, on the other hand, are eyeing the Suns by swapping draft picks with the Nets in an attempt to pursue their own interests in the Suns' predicament.
Right now, the Suns' top priority is to build up Durant in a targeted way around his performance in the new season in order to stand out in the West and the league as a whole.
This is crucial for the long-term development of the team.
The Suns hierarchy also had high hopes for the team's results, and they made it clear that they would not blindly increase their investment, but would rather ask to see a tangible improvement in their performance.
In the long run, if the Suns are unable to make substantial progress on the court, a major strategic shift may be inevitable to ensure the team's sustainability and financial soundness.
The Suns' high investment contrasts sharply with their on-court performance, making it a prime example of overinvestment with little return.
In the future, if the Suns are unable to make a breakthrough on the court, a major strategic shift is imperative to ensure the team's sustainability and financial health.
