A year after re-signing with the Suns as a restricted free agent, Alex Len appears unlikely to do the same as an unrestricted free agent this summer. As Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic writes, Len admitted this week that he’ll “probably” end up with another team for the 2018/19 season.
“I’m looking forward to this offseason,” Len said. “I think it’s going to be exciting. It’s the first time I’m actually going to have a chance to go where I want to go.”
Len has posted some of the best per-minute numbers of his career in 2017/18, but has averaged just 19.8 minutes per game in 62 contests — that’s his lowest mark since his rookie season. In his part-time role, the fifth-year center has posted 8.0 PPG and 7.5 RPG.
According to Bordow, Len believes he’s capable of playing 30 minutes a night, and would love to sign with a team that gives him a chance to be a starter, though he’s open to being a backup on a contending club. Having played for three different coaches in Phoenix, the 24-year-old would also like a situation that gives him some stability. Plus, he believes he has a few skills he hasn’t had a chance to show off with the Suns.
“I think I can step out and shoot mid-range,” Len said. “This year (interim coach) Jay (Triano) did not want me to shoot at all so I just played my role. Wherever I go I can space out to mid-range and I can knock that shot down.”
The Suns will have Len’s Bird rights in free agency, so even if they don’t plan to re-sign him, they could accommodate a sign-and-trade. The more likely scenario, however, would see Len signing outright with a new club via cap room or an exception.
Um. Yeah.
His fate was sealed last off-season.
I wish Len luck, I hope he does well wherever he goes.