The Suns have made a contract offer to restricted free agent Alan Williams, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7, who reports (via Twitter) that Phoenix’s offer is a four-year deal in the range of $5-6MM per year.
Williams, 24, took on a bigger role in his second season with the Suns in 2016/17, though he only averaged 15.1 minutes per contest in 47 games overall. Still, he was very productive when he played, recording 17.6 points and 14.8 rebounds per 36 minutes.
Since free agency began, Williams has been linked repeatedly to the Knicks, with at least one Saturday report suggesting that New York may be preparing an offer sheet for him. Because the 6’8″ forward/center is a restricted free agent, Phoenix would have the opportunity to match any offer, but the team would clearly prefer to negotiate its own contract with Williams rather than risk having to match a more exorbitant deal from the Knicks or another club.
As Gambadoro adds (via Twitter), the Suns had originally planned on pursuing top-tier free agents, but with several Western Conference teams further loading up their roster this week, the franchise has decided to stay patient with its rebuilding plan. That means Phoenix is no longer in the hunt for Paul Millsap, as we heard on Saturday night.
In addition to Williams, Alex Len also remains a restricted free agent for the Suns.
Good move for booth sides
I never fully believed the Millsap to suns rumor. They drafted 2 PFs and have Williams, Len and Chandler. Y did they need another big guy? They need to stay on course and add a few more young pieces. McLemore would b a good add as a back up 2 for Booker.
Yeah I like McLemore
Trade Chandler and Knight and pick for Drummond
Terrible deal for Drummond. Two overpaid players and a pick for one of the best centers in the game? The salary alone would probably prevent the deal from working let alone the trade value being so far off.