Suns Sign Defensive Guard To One-Year Deal

The Phoenix Suns add another wing player by signing defensive guard Josh Okogie to a one-year deal, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Free agent Josh Okogie has agreed to a one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2022

The Minnesota Timberwolves did not extend a qualifying offer to Okogie prior to free agency, thus, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Okogie has spent his entire four-year career in Minnesota. He has established himself as a defensive specialist in the NBA. 

Through his first three seasons, Okogie started in 117 of his 195 games with the Timberwolves. His best season came in 2019-20 when he averaged 8.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

However, with the emergence of guys such as Jaden McDaniels and Jarred Vanderbilt, Okogie lost minutes in the rotation this 2021-22 season. His numbers dropped to a career-low 2.7 points and 1.4 rebounds in just over 10 minutes per game.

Okogie will have a chance to prove he can be an impact player for a winning team like the Suns. The 6-foot-4 guard, however, is very limited offensively with his lack of shooting. Despite that, he should provide value as an energy guy and disruptive perimeter defender.

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