JULY 18: The signing is official, according to the NBA transactions log.
JULY 16: The Suns have reached an agreement to sign free agent forward/center Bol Bol to a one-year contract, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link). According to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link), Bol’s deal with Phoenix will be fully guaranteed.
The move had been expected since last weekend, when reports indicated that the Suns were the frontrunners to sign Bol. The 23-year-old was waived earlier this month by Orlando, as the Magic opted to move on from him before his salary for 2023/24 became guaranteed.
A second-round pick in 2019, Bol was limited to 53 games in Denver during his first three years in the NBA due to injuries, but enjoyed his best season in 2022/23 with the Magic. The 7’2″ big man stayed on the floor for 70 games and averaged 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 21.5 minutes per night.
Given his modest $2.2MM salary and his unique skill set, it was a little surprising that the Magic decided to move on from Bol, but he struggled to consistently produce during the second half of last season. In his final 29 games, his playing time and shooting efficiency dropped off, as he scored double-digit points just three times and recorded averages of 5.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 0.7 BPG on .447/.098/.806 shooting.
The Suns agreed to trade Cameron Payne to San Antonio in order to open up a roster spot for Bol, who will sign a minimum-salary contract. Once both moves are official, the club will be carrying 13 players on guaranteed contracts, plus Jordan Goodwin and Ish Wainright on non-guaranteed deals.
Bol figures to compete for minutes in a frontcourt that includes big men Deandre Ayton, Drew Eubanks, and Chimezie Metu.
Really like this move for both sides, Suns need all the depth they can get and this finally gives Bol Bol an opportunity to shine even more & show off his skill. Can see him becoming a key contributor off the bench for them (maybe even starting if he plays well?) Either way, now I see a bit of a clearer path to a possible Ayton trade as I think if Bol Bol proves himself he can be a competent replacement at the 5.
Would’ve really liked to see him on the Warriors or Mavs, but this is a good fit as well.
Good follow-up move to the Cam Payne trade – while Payne was a great option for Phoenix to run behind Beal/Book (depending on who they play at the 1) this gives them that nice exception to use plus some cap space. And you still have someone like John Wall on the market who can run the backup point instead.
Bol is much more of a guard than a 5
Plays like a guard but has the size and rim protection of a 5, his versatility is what I really like about him.
same
No such thing as a 7’2” guard. Magic is the only big who could play the point. Even Bron can’t handle it for a career. Or even a yr. Running a team and pushing the ball is not for everyone.
Guy has top 5 weirdest face all time!
Ayton about to get moved?
They only did this to block him from going to GSW, where he’d have more impact. Wise move by the Suns.
Lol. You’re adorable.
Bol was a free agent and signed a 1 year min level deal. He simply chose the Suns. Besides there is no indication that the Warriors were even interested in signing him.
The way posters talk about bol bol is comedy
Warriors have no room on the roster for guys who are trying to improve their game or develop their skills. The couple of young guys they have already are enough.
You really don’t know what you’re going to get from Bol. Could be a decent contributor or could fall off a cliff and ride the pine and give you zero.
Not everyone in the league wants to play for the former NBA champions. Former being the operative word.
Guys want money and playing time and in that order. He’d find neither on the Warriors right now.
Orlando dumped him after 70 games. Yes, that menace in the Eastern Conference. Doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement for future career stability. But, he 7+ feet tall. That means he has otherworldly talents. The next Wilt Chamberlain.
Couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the four seven footers already on their roster Bol is simply the least developed. He’s still an excellent defender, just doesn’t have much of an offensive game yet. That won’t matter much with the shot creation on the Suns. And he’s a solid cutter, especially against opposing bigs.i
Not saying he’s going to be amazing or anything, but it is easy to see why Phoenix picked him up.
I don’t expect he will see rotation minutes.
Give me Cam Payne rather than Bol Bol any day of the week.
True but this was about money $$
I am from Orlando and I am really happy that Bol Bol sign with Phoenix.
He’s a good addition for Suns. They need depth. And Bol is still improving. Once he learns to play like a big. He might get mins.
According to unidentified sources, Bol Bol has not yet been able to secure a court date to legally change his first name to “Basket” due to scheduling conflicts.
That wasn’t funny the first time you posted it. FYI, lame jokes don’t get better or funnier with repetition.
Reportedly the delay in getting his first name changed to “Basket” is because he has also been considering the first names:
Foot
Base
Hand
Racket
Paddle
Pickle
and………
Bowling
His name is Bol, not BALL, so that’s why it’s not real funny. Your other stuff has been worth a chuckle but not this one here. Fail.
Go smoke a Bol
I liked it
Wemby has ruined the brains of NBA fans. There is a reason Denver and Orlando passed on Bol Bol. Not sure what evidence people are leaning on to suggest he’ll even get solid backup minutes. Group think is at an all time high this year
Lebron*
Dude , he’s 23.
Too many bols, Jacksson13.