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Your Phoenix Suns are going to retain the services of Mike James for the rest of the season, Shams Charania is reporting. In a corresponding move, Phoenix will waive high-flying forward Derrick Jones Jr.
The Phoenix Suns are waiving Derrick Jones Jr. to create space to sign two-way guard Mike James for rest of season, league sources say.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 7, 2017
After an impressive showing in the 2017 NBA Summer League, James inked a two-way contract with the Suns. That allowed Phoenix to pay him less for 45 days. After that the Suns either have to release him or sign him to a full deal. Thursday is day 45. This season he’s appeared in 26 games for the Suns, including 10 starts, and is averaging 10.5 points and 4.0 assists in 21.8 minutes. His new contract could pay him $580,607 for the remainder of the NBA season.
Fan favorite Derrick Jones Jr. departs after 38 games in a Suns uniform. This season he appeared in only six contests, averaging fewer than six minutes per game. His $1.3 million contract is not fully guaranteed.
James becomes the first player in NBA history to have a two-way contract converted to a standard deal.