Report: Suns decline team option on center Ray Spalding

The Phoenix Suns have declined the team option for next season on center Ray Spalding, according to The Athletic’s Gina Mizell.

An expected move factored into most cap space projections, the decline on Spalding’s option puts the Suns’ salary cap space heading into free agency at an estimated $13 million.

Spalding, 22, was originally signed to a 10-day contract by the Suns in late February before the team signed him through the rest of the season on March 3. That included the aforementioned team option.

With injuries in the frontcourt to Deandre Ayton and Richaun Holmes late in the season, the Suns called upon Spalding more than expected. He played in 13 games, starting in three, including a career-best 21 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and three blocks in an overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans on April 5.

On the season, Spalding averaged 4.2 points and 3.7 rebounds a game.

With Spalding’s option being declined, the Suns’ big rotation heading into free agency stands at centers Ayton and Aron Baynes to go alongside the newly acquired Dario Saric at power forward. Holmes and power forward Dragan Bender are both unrestricted free agents.

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