PHOENIX SUNS

ESPN Insider: Isaiah Thomas among best free agent signings

Jul 18, 2014, 7:42 PM | Updated: 7:42 pm

Follow @AZSports...

While his role is unclear, the Phoenix Suns signing Isaiah Thomas to a four-year, $27 million deal was ranked as the one of the top free-agent signings of the offseason, according to ESPN Insider Tom Haberstroh.

Haberstroh uses age and 2013-14 wins above replacement (WAR) to calculate a player’s annual contract value. He says Thomas is worth $11.1 million annually, with the Suns’ surplus on the deal more than $4 million annually.

Thomas, 25, averaged 20.3 points and 6.3 assists last season with the Sacramento Kings.

Haberstroh thinks the Kings were worried about his 5-foot-9 height instead of his scoring ability. Here is what he says about the signing:

This is Asset Accumulation 101 by Phoenix GM Ryan McDonough. Considering the Suns might have Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic in their backcourt, acquiring Thomas might seem like point guard gluttony. But smart teams find talent at discount prices, then deal with fit issues later.

Former Suns power forward Channing Frye was also on the list, with Haberstroh saying Frye was worth $12.2 million annually, while the Orlando Magic gave him a four-year contract worth $32 million.

Phoenix Suns

Jusuf Nurkic...

Damon Allred

Jusuf Nurkic questionable for Suns’ matchup with Thunder; Bradley Beal no longer listed

The Phoenix Suns are listing center Jusuf Nurkic questionable for a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

7 hours ago

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

1 day ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

1 day ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

1 day ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

2 days ago

ESPN Insider: Isaiah Thomas among best free agent signings