Dario Saric agrees to re-sign with Phoenix Suns on 3-year deal
Nov 23, 2020, 8:40 AM | Updated: 8:46 am
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Phoenix Suns have agreed to bring back big man Dario Saric on a three-year, $27 million deal, his agents told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Saric, 26, was a restricted free agent.
He greatly elevated his chances of returning to Phoenix by transforming himself in a bench role during the team’s 8-0 bubble run. He was far more aggressive and decisive offensively, a more consistent threat as a small-ball five and was, in general, one of the Suns’ best players in Orlando.
Over the course of the season, Saric averaged 10.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. He started 51 of his 66 games, with head coach Monty Williams later in the season turning to a wing-forward group in the starting lineup of Mikal Bridges joined by either Kelly Oubre Jr. or Cameron Johnson.
With Oubre dealt in the Chris Paul transaction, the Suns’ starting frontcourt will likely include starting center Deandre Ayton along with Bridges and free agent addition Jae Crowder.
Saric and No. 10 overall pick Jalen Smith are likely to come off the bench. With Saric’s and Smith’s ability to shoot from three-point range, Phoenix will be able to space the floor at all times.
Since the free agency period opened Friday, Phoenix has also retained restricted free agent guard Jevon Carter and signed backup center Damian Jones. They also added backup guard E’Twaun Moore on a one-year, $2.4 million deal.
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