Leandro Barbosa has jumped right into the Suns rotation after signing a pair of 10-day contracts, and it sounds like he’s impressed enough to earn more than a brief stay in Phoenix. The Suns plan to re-sign him to a deal for the rest of the season once his second 10-day deal expires, as the Arizona Republic’s Paul Coro writes in a story for USA Today.
The 31-year-old Barbosa signed his second 10-day contract with the Suns on Saturday, right after his first one had expired. A third deal with the team would have to cover the balance of the season, by rule. Phoenix is missing point guard Eric Bledsoe, and Barbosa, a combo guard, has filled in with 10.0 points in 22.6 minutes per night. Those numbers are close to the averages of 12.6 PPG and 25.1 MPG that Barbosa posted in seven seasons with Phoenix at the beginning of his NBA career.
The Clippers and Lakers both had interest in the client of Excel Sports Management in the weeks leading up to his latest stint with the Suns. Phoenix has 14 guaranteed contracts on its roster, so adding Barbosa for the season would give the Suns 15, limiting their flexibility.