Bol Bol sighs a deal to stay with the Phoenix Suns on a one-year contract, after a limited yet promising season with the team last year, Bol’s decision to remain in Phoenix comes despite the Suns’ constrained salary cap situation. Since the team doesn’t possess Bol’s Bird rights, which would have allowed them to offer a more substantial raise after multiple seasons with the same team, they were limited to offering a 120% increase from the veteran minimum salary for his five years of NBA experience.
Under the tenure of the since-fired head coach Frank Vogel, Bol, a 24-year-old center, averaged 5.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game over 10.6 minutes last season. His shooting performance was notable, with a field goal percentage of 61.6% and a three-point shooting accuracy of 42.3%. Bol demonstrated his ability to pick his spots and maintain confidence in an offense dominated by stars like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.
As the Suns head into the offseason, they have Jusuf Nurkic returning as their primary center. With backup center Drew Eubanks expected to opt out of his contract, there is an opportunity for Bol or other players to step in as a backup big man. Bol, standing at 7-foot-3, entered the NBA after a single injury-riddled year with the Oregon Ducks. Once considered a potential lottery pick, he was selected 44th overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2019 but struggled to secure a role on the competitive team.
Denver attempted to trade Bol to the Detroit Pistons in 2022, but the trade was voided due to a failed physical. He was eventually traded to the Boston Celtics and quickly rerouted to the Orlando Magic. In Orlando, Bol had his best statistical season, averaging 9.1 points and 5.8 rebounds over 70 games during the 2022-23 season.
Bol’s return to the Suns on a one-year deal reflects both his potential and the team’s strategic maneuvering within the constraints of their salary cap. His impressive shooting and performance in limited minutes last season suggest he could play a more significant role in the upcoming season, particularly given the potential changes in the team’s roster dynamics.
