Oso Ighodaro on contract extension: ‘Amazing that my hometown team has this belief in me’

After signing a three-year contract extension with the Phoenix Suns, Oso Ighodaro’s ties to the Valley make the deal feel even more meaningful for the Arizona native.

Ighodaro’s contract extension marked a big milestone for the third-year player, who was born in Mesa and played high school basketball at Desert Vista in Phoenix.

Ighodaro said Tuesday the new deal shows how much the organization believes in him. 

“It’s a blessing. Obviously, growing up here, it’s just amazing that my hometown team has this belief in me. I’m so blessed … I’m just super excited to be here,” Ighodaro said.

Ighodaro added that he loves the direction the Suns are headed under second-year head coach Jordan Ott and playing with star veteran Devin Booker.

“I just believe in the way we’re doing things. I love playing with J.O. (Jordan Ott). Love playing with Book, obviously. If you’re coaching your best player, it’s just two things that are extremely important to the situation that you’re playing in. I believe in what we’re building, and I’m excited for the future,” Ighodaro said.

Ighodaro is coming off a 2025-26 campaign where he saw a significant increase in usage in the rotation as the backup to center Mark Williams, averaging 22 minutes, 6.5 points (on 65.3% shooting), 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

He, along with second-year player Khaman Maluach, will likely be called to step up in the Suns’ starting center role due to Williams being out several months with a torn labrum in his shoulder.

Despite the new deal, Ighodaro said he still feels he hasn’t reached his full potential and sees the upcoming season as a great opportunity to grow as a player.

“I think I’m so far from reaching my full potential, and I’m still learning, still growing; I’m still a young player. I’m excited to just grow each and every day and continue to get better like I’ve been doing the last two years and see where it takes me,” Ighodaro said.

Related

Suns’ Luke Kennard questionable ahead of season-opener vs. Trail BlazersDillon Brooks’ anti-LeBron James agenda reaches new heights in Kalshi adEmpire of the Suns predicts an NBA champion, MVP, Rookie of the Year and moreCharles Barkley talks Suns expectations and potential retirement: ‘I don’t want to die on TV’Suns remain secretive about naming new starting centerSuns reportedly claim Drew Timme off waivers