Third‑year center Oso Ighodaro told reporters Friday his camp is negotiating a new deal with the Suns, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic (Twitter video). Could a fresh contract keep him in Phoenix?
Yeah, we’re talking about it, Ighodaro said. We’ll see what unfolds in the next few days.
When asked if he wants to stay in Phoenix, Ighodaro answered without hesitation. Definitely, the Arizona native replied.
Ighodaro inked a four‑year, minimum‑salary pact after being taken 40th overall in the 2024 draft. The former Marquette star will earn $2.3 MM this season, and Phoenix holds a $2.5 MM option for 2027/28.
Although he’s technically extension‑eligible through June 30, 2027, the Suns must decide by Monday whether to trigger the option as part of a 2028/29 extension. Declining the option would be required for an in‑season deal.
Last season, the 24‑year‑old logged all 82 games as the primary backup, averaging 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks in 22 minutes. He shot 65.3% overall and 45.3% from the line. In my view, Ighodaro is the Suns’ smartest low‑cost asset.
Rankin notes in his full story (subscriber link) that Ighodaro is battling Khaman Maluach for a starting role after Mark Williams underwent shoulder surgery, likely sidelining him most of the season. If a deal materializes, it would probably be a three‑year extension.
Our analyst Luke Adams flagged Ighodaro last week as a low‑profile veteran extension candidate worth monitoring. Will Phoenix lock him down before the market heats up?