Report: Suns offer 4-year deal to restricted free agent Alan Williams
Jul 2, 2017, 8:34 AM | Updated: 1:20 pm
Phoenix Suns forward Alan Williams (15) is fouled by Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Auburn Hills, Mich., Sunday, March 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The Phoenix Suns have offered a four-year deal to restricted free agent center Alan Williams, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.
Suns have offered Alan Williams a 4-year deal.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 2, 2017
Hearing Suns offer of 4 years to Alan Williams is in the 5-6 million per year range
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 2, 2017
It was reported earlier in the weekend that the New York Knicks had interest in Williams, who is coming off his first NBA season with legitimate playing time.
It should be no surprise that Williams was productive — putting up 7.4 points and 6.2 rebounds in just 15.1 minutes per game — when he got a chance given his track record.
In his final three years at UC Santa Barbara, Williams averaged at least 17 points and 10 rebounds per game. After going undrafted, Williams once again played well, this time at NBA Summer League trying to make a roster. He would earn All-NBA Summer League Second Team honors, but was not signed and went to go play in China.
As expected, Williams dominated there, amounting to 20.8 points and a league-leading 15.4 rebounds per game in his one season.
After that season, Williams earned a 10-day contract with the Suns in March of 2016 and has been with the team ever since.
Like he has his entire career, Williams continued to take advantage of opportunities last season, including his terrific play in the Suns’ new second unit after the All-Star break with Tyler Ulis and Derrick Jones Jr.
Williams has become a fan favorite in the Valley, at first known for his unprecedented level of activity celebrating and encouraging his teammates on the bench before earning even more supporters for his all-out play on the floor.
