Damion Lee declines his player option for next season, but he’s expected to return to the Suns
With Klay Thompson and Paul George both playing elsewhere next season, the Golden State Warriors are looking at any and all options at the guard position. But one former Warrior with a family connection to Golden State is unlikely to return.
Phoenix Suns guard Damion Lee is declining his $2.85 million player option and will enter unrestricted free agency, league sources told @hoopshype. pic.twitter.com/Ui4PyiXrym
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 29, 2024
Damion Lee left the Warriors after their 2022 title, relocating to Phoenix for a deal with the Suns. Saturday, he declined his player option for the 2024-25 season and became an unrestricted free agent. While the Warriors are desperate enough for backcourt help that they’ve giving a qualifying offer to Nico Mannion, it doesn’t sound like a reunion with Steph Curry’s brother-in-law is in the cards.
Per a source, the expectation is that Damion Lee stays with the Suns. Similar to Josh Okogie, he can re-sign for slightly above the vet minimum after opting out https://t.co/r5F0P4Fbtj
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) June 29, 2024
With three players making huge money in Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker, Phoenix has a very tight payroll for supporting players. So while Lee is opting out of the player option part of his contract at last year’s veteran minimum, he can get a little more money by signing a new deal, probably another one-year deal with a player option.
Lee didn’t play a single game last year after complications in his recovery from meniscus surgery. But he was an important player for the Suns in 2022-23, starting five of the 74 games he plays and shooting 44.5 % from three-point range, easily a career-best performance.
Reportedly the Suns also love Lee’s locker room presence, and when you’re shopping at or near the veteran minimum market (Lee can get a small raise from the minimum when Phoenix uses his Bird rights), that’s an important consideration. Plus, we all know Durant is at his best when playing alongside a member of the Curry family. Even Seth Curry was a valuable teammate for KD in Brooklyn.
Speaking of Seth Curry, he’s also going to be available this summer.
ESPN Sources: The Charlotte Hornets are waiving guard Seth Curry but interest exists on both sides to keep talking on a new deal in July free agency. Team had a deadline today on guaranteeing Curry’s contract for the 2024-2025 season. pic.twitter.com/o1qIwpanIy
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2024
There’s been no talk that the younger Curry is interested in leaving his hometown team, but the Warriors are looking at any and all options: Malik Beasley, Eric Gordon, Buddy Hield, Reece Beekman, whoever. Is Kelenna Azubuike keeping in shape? Does Justin Holiday want to come back? Golden State is one more free agent rejection away from posting on Craigslist for guard help, but unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your feelings about his Warriors career), Lee is almost certainly staying in Phoenix, both for fit and for extra money.