According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Phoenix Suns have signed guard Jaden Shackelford to an Exhibit 10 contract. The 23-year-old joined the league as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama in 2022. He signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder and has been with the organization for two years. However, he has yet to appear in an NBA game. Earlier this month, the Thunder traded Shackelford to the Valley Suns, Phoenix’s G League affiliate.
The Phoenix Suns have agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with Jaden Shackelford, league sources told @hoopshype. Shackelford spent the past two seasons with the OKC Blue in the G League where he averaged 14 points per game and helped the team win the 2024 G League championship. pic.twitter.com/3c0Tl1lJ3l
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 19, 2024
In his two seasons in the G League with the Oklahoma City Blue, Shackelford played in 60 total games. With the team, he averaged 14 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Furthermore, he shot 39.7% from the field and 37.1% from beyond the arc.
Last season, he helped the Blue win the G League Finals against the Maine Celtics. In Game 1, Shackelford recorded a team-high 21 points on 8-for-19 shooting. He also recorded four assists and three rebounds in the loss.
Phoenix Suns Sign G League Champion to Training Camp Deal
Jaden Shackelford’s Role With the Suns
As is the case for most players who sign an Exhibit 10 contract, Shackelford will likely not make the team next season. With training camp set to begin in just a couple of weeks, the Suns are just looking to fill out their roster. Chances are high that he will exclusively play in the G League next season.
Where the Suns Stand After Signing Jaden Shackelford
Phoenix had arguably one of the most disappointing campaigns of all teams in the league last season. Though they had a 49-33 record and earned the No. 6 seed, a lot more was expected out of the team. Last summer, the Suns acquired guard Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards. Beal, alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, was expected to provide a huge boost to the team and make them an offensive powerhouse. Furthermore, they were considered a favorite to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. However, they failed to make it past the first round, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a four-game sweep.
This summer, the team made a few interesting moves. Most notably, they fired head coach Frank Vogel and hired Mike Budenholzer as his replacement. The team slo signed point guard Tyus Jones, who should help lead the team’s first unit. Furthermore, they signed Monte Morris and big man Mason Plumlee. Phoenix also re-signed Bol Bol, Josh Okogie, Royce O’Neale, and Damion Lee. On the flip side, they lost Drew Eubanks and Eric Gordon in free agency.
It is unknown how much the Suns have improved this summer. However, it seems that they are in a better place to contend than they were at this time last year. As long as Durant, Booker, and Beal are on the team, the Suns should remain a threat in the Western Conference.
