Suns waive injured point guard Isaiah Canaan

In order to make room for the recently acquired Elfrid Payton, the Phoenix Suns have waived injured point guard Isaiah Canaan, as reported by 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s John Gambadoro.

The team made the move official Thursday evening.

Canaan fractured his left ankle in gruesome fashion on Jan. 31 against the Dallas Mavericks. It was announced the following day that Canaan had successful surgery and there is no timetable for his return.

Related: Suns to acquire Payton from Magic for second-round pick

The 26-year-old was signed under the injury hardship exemption in mid-December and the team waived point guard Mike James once that exemption wore off. He provided what the Suns were lacking at the position, a veteran point guard who was a steady 3-point shooter.

In 19 games, Canaan averaged 9.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game in 22 minutes a night.

Suns will waive Isaiah Canaan to create room for Elfrid Payton. Canaan contract is fully guaranteed and the Suns completely committed to helping in the rehab and Canaan can use all facilities and be around team going forward.

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 8, 2018

Suns general manager Ryan McDonough said in a statement that the move was “strictly to create a roster spot,” and said that Canaan would still have support of the franchise to rehab from his injury.

“We still consider Isaiah to be a member of the Phoenix Suns family,” McDonough said. “In speaking with Isaiah and his agent, we are fully committed to doing everything we can to help him with his rehab and recovery from his injury.”

In Wednesday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, Josh Gray was the only point guard available after Tyler Ulis left the game with back spasms in the second quarter.

Suns will continue to take a look at Devin Booker at point guard so even with Payton in the fold I would expect that Booker continues to run some point.

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 8, 2018

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