Phoenix Suns Sign Their Target Buyout Forward

The Phoenix Suns have hit the buyout market to add another depth piece to their supporting cast in the frontcourt, signing versatile 17-year NBA veteran Thaddeus Young.

Free agent F Thaddeus Young is finalizing a deal to join the Phoenix Suns, sources tell ESPN. More veteran, frontline depth for the Suns’ stretch and playoff run. Young has spent the past two-plus seasons with the Toronto Raptors. pic.twitter.com/Ilyq2leTx2

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 13, 2024

Young has been with the Toronto Raptors for the past 2 1/2 seasons but was dealt to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the slew of deadline deals made by the Raps. With his $8 million salary, he easily cleared waivers, and will now be a nice add for the Suns, in limited minutes, as a small-ball five off the bench.

Young, 35, is a quality veteran, who'll bring a likeable and able presence to the lineup, doing a little bit of everything, including the ability to pass and score on occasion, while playing smart defense. 

In an oddball bit of statistical intrigue, Young is in very exclusive company in the somewhat random 12.1 point/5.2 rebound/1.3 steal/50% FG/30% 3FG% Club:

Players with 12.1+ PPG, 5.2+ RPG, 1.3+ SPG, 50.1+ FG%, 30.2+ 3P% all-time:

— Magic Johnson
— LeBron James
— Thaddeus Young

The Suns got their guy. pic.twitter.com/ERbUzvWYm8

— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 13, 2024

Yes, Magic and LeBron are pretty good company, no matter what bizarre combination of stats you come up with. 

"Young has been linked to the Suns for several years now - and for good reason. The versatile big man is known for being an all-around force, even with age based regression," wrote SI's Suns beat writer Kevin Hicks.

"Young shrinks the floor in half-court settings and is clearly not the defender he once was. He remains a quality passer, connector, and high-IQ team defender - especially in a team infrastructure such as the Suns'."

This season, Young averaged five points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 15 minutes a game for the Raptors, and for his career, in 1,162 games with the Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers, Young has averaged 12.2 points, 5.7 boards and 1.8 assists while playing 28.3 minutes a night.

Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports