Suns Teammates Proud of Ish Wainright's New Deal
Ish Wainright won't be the reason the Phoenix Suns are able to capture their first NBA Finals title in franchise history, but his teammates are damn happy to have him around for the foreseeable future.
Prior to the All-Star break, Wainright ran out of games to play under his two-way deal after participating in the maximum of 45. The Suns were faced with a decision: Let Wainright walk or take him back on the roster on a standard contract.
With some reported interest in Kevin Love and Derrick Rose, there was some thought that Phoenix could look for another alternative.
That didn't happen.
Wainright reportedly inked a two-year, $2.3 million deal to stay in Phoenix after joining the team during the 2021-22 season on a two-way deal. His presence now fills the 15th and final roster spot.
To say Wainright is well received by his coaches and teammates would be an understatement.
"I just think guys like that, I can't say they deserve to be rewarded because I'm not sure how you factor all that stuff in, but I think when you see somebody like him rewarded for their hard work, the steady attitude and the improvement in his game, I enjoy watching that kind of thing happen," said Monty Williams following the win.
"For me as a coach, it's one of the good parts about coaching is being part of somebody's development and seeing them get a fully guaranteed contract because that's life changing."
Wainright told reporters he was so excited that he threw up.
"I haven't been in that position, but I can see that pressure on somebody. It's tough and I have high respect for anybody in the league that has a journey. Sounds really special to get that done," said Devin Booker.
Wainright - while his stomach now likely is settled - says nothing is changing now with the financial security of staying in Phoenix.
“It’s not going to stop,” Wainright said. (h/t Duane Rankin).
“Just because I signed a two-year, multi-year deal, it’s not as if I’m going to get relaxed. I still have a chip on my shoulder. I still want to do whatever it takes to win games … Our main goal is to win a chip. So that’s what we’re going to do.”
His friend Cam Payne told media members after Friday night's win vs. OKC that Wainright kept his head down and earned the new deal.
"True testament of how we get down. It’s turned up for him, man. I love it for him. I hope he just keep going up from here. This is the first contract for him. Now I hope he go out there and play loose and go out there and do his thing. He doesn’t have anything to worry about now. I’m just happy for him," Payne said.
Wainright's 4.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and one assist per night isn't popping off the box score. His 15.5 minutes averaged per game normally don't end up on ESPN's highlight reel.
Yet he's grinded to earn another opportunity to prove why he belongs alongside some of the best in the world. Everybody in Phoenix seems to acknowledge that.
