Suns Top Spenders in NBA's Luxury Tax Ahead of New Season

The Phoenix Suns are only behind two teams when it comes to spending in the luxury tax.

When you're a billionaire like Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, spending money isn't a problem. When you're competitive like Ishbia is too, shelling out a little extra dough isn't a problem either - especially if it leads to a championship parade.

That's the hope here in Phoenix after Ishbia took over as majority owner back in February and arguably has emptied his pockets more than previous owner Robert Sarver ever did during his tenure. 

The Suns haven't been known as big spenders, though recent course of their franchise has changed with the team's revival. Talent such as Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton already existed in Phoenix, and the hefty salaries of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal hope to pay dividends some time next June. 

According to Spotrac, only 11 teams currently are set to pay the luxury tax for the 2023-24 season, though trades and other moves can sway that number. 

You don't have to scroll far to find where the Suns currently rank:

Suns Top Spenders in NBA Luxury Tax Ahead of New Season

1. Golden State Warriors

Luxury Tax Bill: $188,166,395
Active Payroll: $207,244,576 
Luxury Tax Space: -$41,950,576

The Warriors have been near the top for awhile during their dominant stretch of championships, ensuring their core of Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson stayed together even if it meant shelling out empty checks and relying on other role players filling in. 

2. Los Angeles Clippers

Luxury Tax Bill: $108,914,347
Active Payroll: $194,134,827
Luxury Tax Space: -$28,840,827

Paul George and Kawhi Leonard each make $45 million for the upcoming season, and six others are above the $10 million or more mark. Los Angeles has spent heavy on stars with little return thanks to health, and they're hoping the 2023-24 season is a different story. 

3. Phoenix Suns

Luxury Tax Bill: $51,903,347
Active Payroll: $187,134,980
Luxury Tax Space: -$21,840,980

The Suns were already looking to enter luxury tax territory last year with Deandre Ayton's offer sheet being matched, but the presence of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal now see four Suns making over $30 million this season. 

4. Milwaukee Bucks

Luxury Tax Bill: $49,774,741
Active Payroll: $181,711,585
Luxury Tax Space -$16,417,585

To no surprise, Giannis' $45.6 million cap figure for 2023-24 tops a Bucks salary cap that isn't spread crazy thin up top. Jrue Holiday is a notch down with a $36.8 million cap hit for this season with Khris Middleton ($29.3 million), Brook Lopez ($25 million) and Bobby Portis ($11.7 million) significant as well. 

5. Boston Celtics

Luxury Tax Bill: $24,691,250
Active Payroll: $178,577,642
Luxury Tax Space: -$13,376,499

The Celtics have three players making at least $30+million this season in Kristaps Porzingis, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Malcolm Brogdon ($22.5 million), Derrick White ($18.3 million), Robert Williams III ($11.5 million) and Al Horford ($10 million) are significant cap figures too. 

What others owe in terms of luxury tax bills: 

• Philadelphia 76ers ($24.6 million)
• Miami Heat ($24.1 million)
• Denver Nuggets ($22.7 million)
• New Orleans Pelicans ($4.4 million)
• Los Angeles Lakers ($3.1 million)
• Chicago Bulls ($329,102)

All others are not currently in the threshold.