Phoenix Suns Bring Back Guard With Full-Season Contract

Just one day after letting his second 10-day contract expire, the Phoenix Suns have cleared room to bring back dynamic young guard Saben Lee on a deal for the rest of the season. 

The Phoenix Suns are signing guard Saben Lee to a two-way NBA deal and waiving Duane Washington Jr., sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Lee earns deal with Suns after strong stint on 10-days. Washington has scoring ability, averaging 8 points in 13 minutes per game this season.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2023

Lee has been signed to a two-way NBA contract, reports Shams Charania, which was the only way they could retain him after two 10-days. The move will certainly be popular with Suns fans, as the high-flying point guard filled in admirably for the Suns in their shorthanded backcourt during his 20-day trial.

The unfortunate victim is Duane Washington Jr., who gets waived to make room for Lee.  

Wow. Can't say I saw Duane Washington Jr. getting waived, but Saben Lee was able to come in and make an immediate impact by putting pressure on the rim, getting to the FT line and avoiding turnovers when the Suns were in a real pinch at PG

— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) February 1, 2023

Washinton is a 6'3" second-year guard who hasn't gotten a lot of run in the Suns' rotation this year—only 12.7 minutes per game—but has contributed when called upon, averaging 7.9 points and 2.0 assists in those scant minutes, while shooting 36% from beyond the arc. 

As for Lee, the 23-year-old quickly became a fan favorite in the 20-day trial, coming in and scoring in double digits three straight games during his first stint with the Suns, filling in mainly for the absence of Chris Paul. In his first four games with Phoenix, Lee averaged 11.3 points, 3.8 assists, and shot 52% FG and a sizzling 43% on threes. Overally, he's now at 7.0 points, 3.3 assists, and 50% on threes.

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports