Frank Kaminsky returning to Phoenix Suns on 1-year contract
Aug 5, 2021, 11:29 AM
Phoenix Suns forward Frank Kaminsky (8) and forward Dario Saric (20) celebrate with teammates during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Friday, April 30, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
The Phoenix Suns are bringing back Frank Kaminsky on a one-year contract, the big man’s agents told NBA reporter Marc Stein.
Kaminsky has appeared in 86 games for Phoenix over the past two seasons.
This past year, he averaged 6.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists over 15.2 minutes per game. He started in 13 of his 47 appearances during 2020-21.
Behind backup big Dario Saric, Kaminsky proved key as a depth piece for Phoenix, even though he was phased out of the rotation in the playoffs. He made 10 postseason appearances and played 6.8 minutes per outing, appearing mostly at center.
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Saric suffered an ACL tear in the NBA Finals in July and will miss at least a large portion of 2021-22, meaning Kaminsky could take a bigger role as the team’s stretch, ball-moving big man behind starting center Deandre Ayton.
However, the Suns could opt to go heavy with wings and put more rim protection on the floor with veteran center JaVale McGee, who reportedly has agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with the team.
The 28-year-old Kaminsky was the No. 9 pick in the 2015 draft and played his first four NBA seasons with the Charlotte Hornets before he signed with the Suns prior to the 2019-20 season.
After his first season in the Valley, Phoenix allowed Kaminsky to walk in free agency. But he was waived by the Sacramento Kings after spending the offseason with them, and the Suns claimed him off waivers in late December of last year.
