Suns general manager James Jones did say he wants to build his team three by five. Meaning he wants to have a roster that goes three deep at all five positions.
He’s inching closer to that goal with a busy first few hours of NBA free agency. First the Suns reportedly agreed on a team friendly deal with Cam Payne. He’s the second point guard, behind Chris Paul who reportedly is signing a four year, $120 million deal.
Following those reports, Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes is saying they’re using part of their Mid Level Exception add Javale McGee to the roster. He says it’s a one year, $5 million contract.
Free agent center JaVale McGee has reached an agreement with the Phoenix Suns on a one-year, $5 million deal, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 3, 2021
McGee would backup Deandre Ayton at the center position. His addition means there’s now three “viable” centers on the roster, if you include last year’s lottery pick Jalen Smith.
Last season, McGee played in 46 games for the Denver Nuggets. He averaged 7.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. The 13-year veteran has played for seven teams in his career, winning a title with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2019-20 season. He may fit right in with the fellas.
Good win fellas…
— Javale PIERRE 3Xs McGee (@JaValeMcGee) February 25, 2018
The Suns still have room for a few more additions and returning players on team friendly deals. We’ll see what else the 2020-21 Executive of the Year winner James Jones has cooking up in the coming hours and days.