According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Phoenix Suns have re-signed guard Damion Lee to a one-year contract. Lee became an unrestricted free agent after declining his $2.8 million player option. News of Lee re-signing with Phoenix comes less than 24 hours after the team signed free agent guard Monte Morris to a one-year deal.
Free agent guard Damion Lee is returning to the Phoenix Suns on a one-year deal, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/wHcqunaKm9
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2024
Lee joined the Suns as a free agent during the 2022 NBA offseason after four years with the Golden State Warriors. In his first year with Phoenix, the one-time NBA champion appeared in 74 games, starting five of them. In those games, he averaged 8.2 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Furthermore, he shot 44.2% from the field and 44.5% from the three-point line. His 3FG% during the 2022-23 season ranked third in the NBA. Only Luke Kennard (49.4%) and Al Horford (44.6%) ranked higher.
After a solid season, Lee suffered a knee injury during training camp. This caused Lee to miss the entire 2023-24 season.
Phoenix Suns Re-Sign Former Champion to One-Year Deal
Damion Lee Lee Offers a Lot to the Suns
Although he is just a role player for the Suns, Lee proved to be valuable in his first season with the team. The Maryland native is a good three-point shooter and even provides size as a 6’5″ guard. Furthermore, he is a solid rebounder and can create his own shot. Additionally, although he is not a great defender, Lee can hold his own and contribute at times.
Additionally, Lee’s championship experience is a boost for the Suns as well. Besides Kevin Durant and Collin Gillespie (who is on a two-way contract), Lee is the only member of the Suns roster with a championship. For a team like Phoenix, who is contending for a championship now, Lee’s experience could be useful. In Golden State’s 2022 championship run, Lee appeared in 16 games, averaging 7.8 minutes per game.
The Last Word on Damion Lee
Re-signing Lee is a good move for Phoenix, especially for one season. He is a veteran with championship experience and is a good role player. Lee will turn 32 years old in October. After missing the entire 2023-24 season, it will be interesting to see how he comes back from his knee injury. Regardless, a reunion makes sense for both sides and is very low-risk, high-reward. Last season, the Suns finished with a 49-33 record. As the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, the team got swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Although having Lee back will not move the needle too much for the Suns, it is a good signing.
