Suns GM McDonough has ‘strong interest’ in bringing back Mirza Teletovic
Apr 7, 2016, 7:01 AM
Phoenix Suns' Mirza Teletovic (35) shoots over Charlotte Hornets' Frank Kaminsky III during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, March 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Back in the middle of February, the Suns were 14-40 and many expected them to be very busy at the NBA trade deadline.
A veteran player like Mirza Teletovic that could stretch the floor from the power forward position seemed like a good fit for teams trying to make some noise in the playoffs.
The four-year pro from Bosnia and Herzegovina seemed like a safe bet to be on the move before the February 18 deadline, with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Suns general manager Ryan McDonough confirmed the interest other teams had at the deadline in Teletovic on Burns & Gambo on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM on Wednesday.
“We did get some interest in Mirza at the deadline,” McDonough said. “We’d like to bounce back quickly next year and I realize Mirza is on a one-year contract. Despite our team’s record, I think he’s played well and he’s had a good experience here in Phoenix.”
Teletovic, of course, stayed put, and according to the Suns GM, this might not be his one and only season in the Valley.
“If you ask Mirza, he’d like to be back,” McDonough said. “He’s a guy we have strong interest in bringing back as well.”
The 30-year-old power forward recently set the NBA record for most 3-pointers by a reserve in one season during the Phoenix Suns’ 103-90 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Teletovic has 165 makes with four games to go.
Teletovic is shooting just over 39 percent from three-point range this season, averaging 11.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game for Phoenix off the bench.
