The Phoenix Suns did not extend a qualifying offer to center Udoka Azubuike, per reports and Hoops Wire sources. He will now become an unrestricted free agent.
Azubuike, 24, is 6-foot-10 and was the No. 27 overall pick by the Utah Jazz in the 2020 NBA Draft out of Kansas. He spent his first three seasons in Utah before signing a two-way contract with the Suns ahead of this past season.
Azubuike appeared in 16 games with the Suns, averaging 2.2 points and 2.0 rebounds. Overall, he’s played in 84 NBA games, with most of his time spent in the G League. He became the odd man out in Phoenix, with the likes of Jusuf Nurkic, Mason Plumlee and perhaps even Bol Bol in front of him in the middle.
“Azubuike showed his potential to be a rotational player in his first three years in the league, and notably, had his best season in his second year with averages of 4.7 points, and 4.2 rebounds on 75.5% shooting before his season-ending surgery in 2022,” SB Nation wrote.
Being a fifth-year player, he is no longer eligible for a two-way contract.
“Given the cap situation that Phoenix is in, it’s very hard to see him getting a standard contract with the Suns when they are looking for win-now players and not a project for the future,” SB Nation wrote. “I believe he could be a rotational player in the near future if he works out a few things in his game, but not with this team, not right now at least.”
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
