Suns Free Agency: Frank Kaminsky returns to The Valley

The Tank is back.

Frank Kaminsky, who played for the Phoenix Suns the past two seasons, is running it back and re-joining Phoenix for year three, per Mark Stein.

The former 2015 national collegiate player of the year first came to Phoenix in 2019 as a free agent following 4 seasons with the Charlotte Hornets. After one season with the Suns, he signed as a free agent with the Sacramento Kings prior to the start of last season, only to be waived before the campaign began.

Kaminsky re-signed with Phoenix two days later and helped the Suns roll to a 51-21 regular season record and a Western Conference Championship.

Phoenix went 11-2 during the 2020-21 season in games in which Frank Kaminsky started including a stretch when the team was 9-0 with him at the starting power forward position.

Frank will return as most likely resume the role of the backup to the backup following the Suns’ addition of JaVale McGee. He will add some offensive depth and versatility for Monty Williams at the center position. McGee will provide some quality defensive minutes and Kaminsky will provide some stretch-five minutes.

A primary aspect of the re-signing of Kaminsky is the locker room presence he brings. Not only does he know the system and culture, he is well liked by his teammates and a fan favorite (at times).

The Kaminsky signing likely has zero impact on the pursuit of another playable ‘big wing’ or ‘swing big’, as Dave puts it. As we saw last year, Frank is still Frank even if he doesn’t play often.

Welcome back, Frank.