FEBRUARY 20: The Suns have officially signed Young, announcing the deal in a press release. That means he’ll be available for Phoenix when the club’s post-All-Star schedule gets underway on Thursday, as Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic writes.
“Thad is a highly respected veteran player who makes us a better team in our pursuit of winning an NBA Championship,” general manager James Jones said in a statement. “Thad is extremely intelligent and plays with a competitive intensity. His size and defensive abilities add versatility to our roster.”
FEBRUARY 13: The Suns are finalizing a deal to sign free agent forward Thaddeus Young, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link).
Young had been with the Raptors for the past two years, but was traded to Brooklyn at last week’s deadline along with Dennis Schröder in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie. The Nets opted to waive Young, who was on an expiring $8MM contract, in order to open up a roster spot to complete the deal that sent Royce O’Neale to Phoenix in exchange for draft picks and two incoming players.
A veteran in his 17th NBA season, Young hasn’t been a regular starter since 2018/19 and played a limited role in Toronto this season. He averaged 5.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 15.2 minutes per game across 23 appearances (six starts), shooting a career-high 62.1% from the floor.
Young is unlikely to play major minutes in Phoenix either, but will provide some additional frontcourt depth and veteran leadership on a team with title aspirations. In addition to playing at forward, the 35-year-old can also function as a small-ball five.
The Suns have two open spots on their 15-man roster after trading away four players at the deadline for O’Neale and David Roddy, so no corresponding move will be necessary to create room for Young.
Due to a new rule related to the buyout market, Phoenix is ineligible to sign a player cut during the season if his pre-waiver salary exceeded the amount of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($12.4MM), but that restriction doesn’t apply to Young, who was earning less than that.
Nice signing. Adds front line depth along with experience. Suns filling out their bench nicely last few days.
Still wouldnt mind the suns signing someone who can handle the ball and play some pg when needed.
Booker and Beal isn’t enough?
I do love me some point book, but for at least 5 mins a game, point book thinks too much like a shooter and makes some bone headed plays/shots.
At the end of the day its more being greedy than a need.
They got Point Book, Point Beal and Point Durant.
O’Neale often brings up the ball. Swiss army knife. Fantastic aquisition.