Phoenix Suns release center Alan Williams

Creating more cap space for their offseason pursuits that include the expected signing of free agent forward Trevor Ariza, the Phoenix Suns have waived center Alan Williams.

Phoenix will consider re-signing Williams to a smaller deal if he clears waivers in two days, adds 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s John Gambadoro.

Williams had two more years left on his contract and was slated to make $5.5 million next season with a team option for the same amount in 2019-20. With the selection of center Deandre Ayton first overall and veteran Tyson Chandler behind him, Williams was relegated to third-string center.

The release of Williams frees up that $5.5 million in salary cap space and would put the Suns slightly below the cap even with the signing of Ariza, who has agreed to a one-year deal for $15 million.

The 25-year-old Williams signed a 10-day contract with the Suns in March of 2016 and 10 days later was signed to a multi-year deal through the 2016-17 season.

When he could get chances to play in that season, Williams impressed, averaging 17.6 points and 14.8 rebounds per 36 minutes. He starred in a second unit with point guard Tyler Ulis at the end of the season, giving the team a shot of adrenaline that made them one of the league’s best offenses for the first few weeks after the All-Star break.

“Big Sauce,” a local product who went to North High School, quickly became a fan favorite because of his energy both on and off the court and was the reason for Suns fans to look to the bench whenever there was a big play so they could see his celebration.

After reportedly receiving interest from the New York Knicks as a restricted free agent in the summer of 2017, Williams re-signed with the Suns for a three-year deal.

Unfortunately, Williams was unable to capitalize off that momentum, suffering a meniscus injury in late September that would see him return at the end of last season and play in just five games.

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