TUESDAY, 11:40am: The signing is official, the team announced.
7:41pm: The Suns will give Budinger a prorated veteran’s minimum contract that runs through the end of this season, writes Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic. The signing is expected to take place after Budinger clears waivers on Monday.
SATURDAY, 5:04pm: The Suns intend to sign Chase Budinger provided he clears waivers, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical on Yahoo Sports reports (via Twitter). Phoenix has a roster count of 13 players after waiving shooting guard Sonny Weems earlier today, so no additional move is required to sign the swingman. Sean Deveney of The Sporting News and Candace Buckner of The Indianapolis Star first reported that the Suns were the front-runners to sign Budinger.
The small forward agreed to a buyout with the Pacers and officially hit waivers earlier today. Budinger, 27, appeared in 48 games for the Pacers this season prior to his release. He averaged 4.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 15.0 minutes per night to accompany a shooting line of .419/.299/.708. The veteran shooter’s career numbers are 8.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
Indiana was reportedly attempting to trade Budinger leading up to February’s trade deadline, but the Pacers found no takers for the remainder of his $5MM expiring contract. The Pacers acquired Budinger from the Timberwolves this past offseason when the plan was to move Paul George to power forward. While Budinger didn’t see much burn for Indiana, the Suns could benefit from his ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting, though Budinger’s mark of 29.9% from deep on the season would be a career low if it stands.
Surprised the Suns signed him. I would think they would look for young prospects with their roster spots given their struggles this season.