PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns signed their first undrafted free agent in CJ Huntley, who is signed a two-way contract with the team. General manager Brian Gregory has added a lot of length to the roster in the past two days. Phoenix drafted Duke’s Khaman Maluach and St. Joesph’s Rasheer Fleming, while trading for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. That trend continues with Huntley, who stands at 6’11 with a 7’4 wingspan.
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Nov 15, 2022; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (5) dribbles against Appalachian State Mountaineers forward CJ Huntley (15) during the first half at KFC Yum! Center. Appalachian State defeated Louisville 61-60. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
What Huntley brings to Suns:
Huntley is a five-year collegiate player, who had a career year during the 2024-2025 season. The 23-year-old averaged double digit points for the first time in his career with 15.7 points and nearly doubled his rebounding total the previous year with 8.1, including 2.3 offensive rebounds. Huntley isn’t known for his rim protection but shoots an efficient clip from beyond the arc at 35.6% from 3 on 3.8 attempts last year.
Dec 21, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers forward CJ Huntley (15) shoots against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Huntley is another big man that can be on the same floor as other centers, like Maluach and Williams, because of his ability to spread the floor with his shooting ability. Huntley comes to the Valley with plenty of experience, playing 153 games with the Mountaineers. Huntly joins fellow rookies Fleming and Koby Brea as 4+ year collegiate players that are NBA-ready on day one.
The goal for Gregory entering the draft seems obvious now, to grab lengthy modern NBA big man that have the versatility to play with anyone. The newest rookies gives the Suns a much-needed makeover defensively and brings some new life to the roster and the fans.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
