The Suns have added another center while Mark Williams works his way back from shoulder surgery.
Phoenix agreed to a one-year contract with free agent Duop Reath, Shams Charania of ESPN reported. John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Phoenix reported that it is a veteran-minimum deal and that Reath had multiple offers.
Reath, 30, spent his first two NBA seasons with the Trail Blazers. His playing time decreased as Portland’s frontcourt became more crowded, but he remained a useful stretch option.
The 6-foot-9 center appeared in 32 games last season, averaging 8.1 minutes while shooting 44.6 percent from the field and 41.8 percent from beyond the arc.
With Williams expected to miss extended time, Reath gives the Suns an experienced alternative behind second-year center Khaman Maluach. He also provides a different look offensively because of his ability to pull opposing big men away from the basket.
Gambadoro indicated that the signing will likely lead Phoenix to waive guard Jamaree Bouyea to create the necessary roster space.
It’s not a franchise-altering move. It is a practical one for a team that suddenly needed another playable center.
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