Kofi Inkoom
Free agent point guard Monte Morris plans to sign a one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Due to being a second-apron team, Phoenix can only offer minimum-salary deals. This signing is beneficial for the Suns, who were seeking a dependable point guard option.
Morris had a challenging year, missing the first half of the season with a quad injury and switching teams midseason, which delayed his return to form. He averaged just 5.0 points and 2.1 assists in 14.4 minutes per game across 33 appearances with Detroit and Minnesota.
Despite last season’s struggles, the 29-year-old has a solid NBA track record as both a backup and a starter.
Over five seasons with Denver and Washington from 2018-23, he averaged 10.5 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game, with shooting percentages of 48.0% from the field, 39.2% from three, and 82.9% from the free-throw line in 339 games, including 166 starts.
With Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant being ball-dominant players, the Suns didn’t rely much on a traditional point guard in the 2023/24 season.
Morris is unlikely to start but can provide valuable experience and help organize the offense, giving new head coach Mike Budenholzer more options in his first year.
The Timberwolves were interested in re-signing Morris, but his return was unlikely after he didn’t play in the playoffs and the team drafted Rob Dillingham.