PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns have officially signed No. 28 overall pick Ryan Dunn to his rookie contract.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!That first NBA contract ✍️ pic.twitter.com/wcjOfOsLGL
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) July 3, 2024
Per Spotrac, the former Virginia forward will make $2.53 million his first season and the full contract is for four years and $13 million with a team option the last two seasons (2026-27 and 2027-28).
In his sophomore 2023-24 season, the 6-foot-6, 21-year-old Dunn led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with 2.3 blocks per game and also averaged 1.3 steals to go along with 8.1 points on 54.8%/20%/53.2% shooting splits, 6.9 rebounds and 0.8 assists, starting all 34 games for the Cavaliers and receiving ACC All-Defensive Team honors.
Dunn was heralded by many as the best defensive player in the draft.
Ryan Dunn is the best defensive playmaker in this draft, racking up blocks and steals at unheard-of rates among draft picks historically, with elite physical tools and instincts.
ESPN's best prospects at 20 skills: https://t.co/Qotbmd0WOy pic.twitter.com/T41RuGxYNR
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 10, 2024
The Suns also selected Marquette big man Oso Ighodaro with the 40th overall pick, but he has not signed yet. Both rookies were introduced at a press conference yesterday.
“When we went into the draft, we had two objectives,” said Suns general manager and president of basketball operations James Jones yesterday. “Can we get younger, more athletic, more dynamic, but more importantly, could we increase the competitive nature of our team? And it was evident quickly that these two guys fit the bill.”
Click here to stay up to date with all of the Suns free agency signings.
Learn more about Dunn from one of Virginia’s assistant coaches, Orlando Vandross, below.
Learn about new Suns F Ryan Dunn, ‘a tireless worker,’ from Virginia assistant Orlando Vandross
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
