CCM in the past have paid the cap minimum, I don't know about this year but it's a pretty reasonable assumption that it's the cheapest squad in the competition, whereas the Phoenix came into this year with two marquee players. Okon ticks quite a few boxes, knows the league, good at development, plays the style of football that the Phoenix aspire. He has had no success at a high level but neither have the other names floated around, and he has the excuse of having the poorest team in the comp.
CCM in the past have paid the cap minimum, I don't know about this year but it's safe to assume it's the cheapest squad in the competition, whereas the Phoenix came into this year with two marquee players, it's fair to say that the budget of the Nix is quite a lot healthier than the Mariners.