The Phoenix Suns are reportedly bringing in a new player to the team on an Exhibit 10 contract. And luckily for the team, it is someone new head coach Mike Budenholzer is very familiar with. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Suns have signed forward Mamadi Diakite to a training camp deal.
Phoenix Suns have agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with Mamadi Diakite, sources told @hoopshype. Diakite received $1.4M from the Knicks in the Mikal Bridges trade and now goes to training camp with Phoenix. He was also on the Bucks when they won the 2021 title under Mike Budenholzer. pic.twitter.com/xRyyqnp2RM
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 13, 2024
Diakite spent time with the San Antonio Spurs (and their G League affiliate in Austin) and the New York Knicks last season. However, the 27-year-old initially began his career with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2020-21 season as an undrafted free agent. At the time, Budenholzer was the team’s head coach. And in Diakite’s rookie season, Budenholzer coached the Bucks to their first championship since 1971.
The Guinea native played a small role in Milwaukee’s championship campaign, appearing in just 14 games for the team during the regular season and seven in the playoffs. He did, however, start the final game of the season for Milwaukee and had a decent performance. In a loss to the Chicago Bulls, Diakite recorded 13 points on 4-for-11 shooting, seven rebounds, three steals, one block, and one assist in 38 minutes.
Diakite has also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Phoenix Suns Reunite Mike Budenholzer With Former Champion
Mamadi Diakite Will Likely Play Mostly in the G League Next Season
While it is exciting that Budenholzer will reunite with a player who he won a championship with, Diakite will not play a big role with the team. Due to the nature of an Exhibit 10 contract, Diakite should expect to play most, if not all, of his minutes in the G League. Furthermore, there is little opportunity for the forward to crack the rotation immediately.
The Suns are currently slated to start Kevin Durant at power forward and Jusuf Nurkic at center. Furthermore, backups Royce O’Neale, Mason Plumlee, Ryan Dunn, and Bol Bol should be enough for the team heading into the season. Diakite has shown glimpses of upside, but it is unlikely that he will see consistent playing time in Phoenix at this point.
The Phoenix Suns’ Offseason Recap After Signing Mamadi Diakite
This offseason, the Suns were relatively busy. They signed veterans Tyus Jones, Monte Morris, and Plumlee. Additionally, they re-signed Bol, O’Neale, Josh Okogie, and Damion Lee. On the flip side, they lost Drew Eubanks and Eric Gordon.
Last season, the Suns were arguably the most disappointing team in the NBA. The team finished with a 49-33 record and earned the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. Additionally, despite their trio of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns finished with just the ninth-best Offensive Rating. As they approach this year’s training camp, they hope to bounce back and prove they are legitimate title contenders.
