The Phoenix Suns have signed former LaMelo Ball backup to bolster their guard depth.
The Suns completed their two-way contract slots by acquiring former Charlotte Hornets player Theo Maledon, a French guard.
The Phoenix Suns have signed guard Theo Maledon to their final two-way contract, securing the former player of the Oklahoma City Thunder (2020-2022) and the Charlotte Hornets (2022-2024). Maledon, who served as the backup to Charlotte’s starting guard and 2022 All-Star LaMelo Ball, joins local prospect Saben Lee and center Udoka Azubuike on the Suns’ two-way deals. The team’s roster, without any players on Exhibition 10 deals, currently stands at 18 players.
Suns coach Frank Vogel expressed his interest in Maledon, describing him as a compelling prospect with strong point guard skills, improved shooting, and good size. Maledon, aged 22, was waived by the Hornets, prompting the Suns to bring him into their system. With an average of 4.2 points and 2.2 assists in 13 games this season for the Hornets, Maledon is expected to compete with Lee during practices.
The Suns announced Maledon’s addition following a right ankle injury to guard Bradley Beal, who is expected to be sidelined for the next three weeks. Maledon, a former Best Young Player and champion in France’s LNB Pro A league with ASVEL in 2019, was selected with the 34th pick in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft. As the Suns aim to rebound from recent losses, Maledon’s versatility will be valuable, especially in the absence of the sidelined Beal.
