The Phoenix Suns had seven guards on the roster to end the 2016-17 regular season, and they could add another via the draft in June if they land one of the top three picks. Out of that group, veterans Leandro Barbosa and Ronnie Price have expressed their desire to be with the Suns next season.
"My main thing is retire as a Suns player, but you never know. This is a business, you know how it goes," Barbosa told ArizonaSports.com. "I don’t know what’s the plan that they’re going to figure out. I’ll be available, but if not, my mentality is still the same. I want to get better and I have time to do that this summer and I’m happy about that."
Barbosa just completed his 14th season in the NBA, nine with the Suns, and he's under contract for 2017-18, but the team can release him by July 3 and only owe $500,000 of his $4 million due to be earned next season.
In 67 appearances this season, Barbosa averaged 6.3 points, 1.2 assists and 1.6 rebounds.
"I’m not young anymore. I’m 34 years old," Barbosa said. "I still have a little gas to burn, and I’m going to work for that."
While Barbosa is under contract and guaranteed some money for next season, Price will join the free-agent market starting July 1.
"I’ll work my butt off this summer, and I’ll be physically in the position to prove to whoever or wherever the situation I may be in that I can still help out. Hopefully, it’s here," Price said.
Price, now a 12-year NBA veteran, signed a rest-of-season contract with the Suns on Feb. 24. In 14 appearances, Price averaged one point and 1.3 assists.
In addition to Barbosa and Price, the Suns' season-ending backcourt included Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker, Brandon Knight, Elijah Millsap and Tyler Ulis. Millsap, signed on Apr. 9, won't be on the team next season. Also, the Suns are expected to shop Knight during the offseason after not finding any takers this season.
-- Nick Silva
