Phoenix Suns buy out center Tyson Chandler’s contract

The Phoenix Suns have made center Tyson Chandler a free agent after buying out the veteran’s contract on Sunday.

The 36-year-old center was in the final year of his four-year, $52 million deal with Phoenix. He was set to make a little more than $13.5 million this season.

“We want to thank Tyson for his contributions to the Suns over the past three-plus seasons,” Suns Vice President of Basketball Operations James Jones said in a press release. “With respect for Tyson’s accomplished career, today’s move gives him the chance to pursue a new opportunity while allowing our younger players to continue developing.

“Tyson is a consummate professional and we wish him all the best.”

Chandler, who is in his 18th NBA season, averaged 12.7 minutes per game for the Suns in 2018, playing in seven games. He’s averaging 3.7 points, 3.0 steals and 5.6 rebounds this season.

Thank you, Tyson, for your leadership on and off the court. pic.twitter.com/TJXKVNcyhR

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 4, 2018

In a little over three seasons with the Suns, Chandler averaged 8.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

“I am grateful for my time in Phoenix and want to thank my teammates, my coaches, the front office and the fans for an amazing experience.” Chandler said. “I wish them the best and I am excited for the next stage in my career.”

The New York Times’ Marc Stein was the first to report on Saturday that the team was in the process of buying out

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski also reported that Chandler will sign with the Los Angeles Lakers once he clears waivers. Wojnarowski noted that the Suns and Chandler have had a mutual agreement on a buyout for “some time.”

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