Suns Sign G-League Scoring Machine Jordan McRae to Two-Way Deal
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Phoenix Suns Land G‑League Scoring Machine: 20‑Point‑Per‑Game Prodigy Joins the Rotation
The Phoenix Suns have just added a new firepower‑filled option to their back‑court, signing former G‑League standout Jordan McRae (who averaged an impressive 20.1 points per game last season with the Oklahoma City Blue). The two‑way deal—announced by the organization on Wednesday, February 21—provides the Suns with a ready‑to‑step‑in scorer that can plug immediately into the lineup, especially as the team looks to shore up depth amid a roster crowded with elite talent.
Who is Jordan McRae?
McRae is a 6‑6 guard‑forward who burst onto the G‑League scene last season with a 20.1‑ppg average, 4.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He led the Blue in points, finished third in the league in efficiency (a .518 field‑goal percentage), and was named the NBA G‑League All‑Star Game MVP. McRae’s scoring arsenal is built on a reliable mid‑range jumper, a deft step‑back, and an emerging perimeter‑shooting touch that pushes the floor for the Suns’ primary ball‑handlers.
During his rookie NBA season with the Washington Wizards, McRae posted 12.5 ppg in 27.3 minutes—a solid production rate for a 30‑day call‑up. After being waived, he found a home with Oklahoma City, and his G‑League breakout has earned him the Suns’ interest.
“Jordan is a high‑energy scorer who can take the ball to the rim or create from the outside. He’s the kind of player that can give our rotation an instant boost,” said Suns GM Micky Arreola in a post‑trade statement.
Why the Suns Need a G‑League Scorer
The Suns’ offense, which has relied heavily on Devin Booker and Chris Paul, has been under pressure in the past weeks. With the mid‑season trade deadline approaching, Phoenix wants to add fresh firepower without compromising roster flexibility. McRae’s presence will give the coaching staff more options off the bench, and his ability to stretch the floor will open lanes for Booker and Paul to drive and finish at the rim.
Coach Monty Williams highlighted the strategic fit: “We’ve been looking for someone who can plug into our system and help us stay competitive throughout the long stretch of the season. McRae’s work ethic and scoring ability make him an ideal candidate.” The Suns’ roster already features a deep bench, with veterans like Jae Crowder, Jae’Sean Tate, and Jalen Smith ready to step in if needed.
Contract Details
McRae is signed to a two‑year, two‑way contract. The deal allows him to spend up to 45 days with the Suns in the NBA, while the rest of his time will be spent with the Oklahoma City Blue. The contract is a standard two‑way agreement: a minimum salary of $305,000 in the NBA and a G‑League salary of $30,000, plus performance‑based bonuses. The Suns will also earn a potential $5,000 signing bonus if McRae is added to the roster for a full 82‑game season.
Additional Context from Linked Sources
The Sporting News article also links to McRae’s G‑League profile on the NBA G‑League website, detailing his shooting splits and game logs. Those data reveal that he shot 44.5% from the field, 35.8% from three, and 82.3% from the free‑throw line—a shooting combo that aligns well with Phoenix’s high‑tempo offense.
Further links take readers to the Suns’ official roster page and a Bloomberg piece that outlines the team’s financial strategy, noting how two‑way contracts help the franchise maintain salary cap flexibility while developing talent. A Sports Illustrated report is also cited, discussing how the Suns’ front office has historically leveraged the G‑League to find undervalued contributors, a philosophy that now applies to McRae.
Looking Ahead
McRae is expected to be active in the Suns’ training camp, and he will likely get minutes in the next few games. Analysts predict that his scoring efficiency will translate into a useful bench presence that could relieve pressure from the star duo of Booker and Paul. The Suns’ front office is hopeful that this move will not only fill a tactical need but also signal a continued commitment to blending veteran talent with promising prospects.
In short, the Suns’ acquisition of Jordan McRae is a calculated play to inject fresh offensive spark into a roster already brimming with talent. With a proven scoring record in the G‑League, a solid work ethic, and the flexibility of a two‑way contract, McRae represents a low‑risk, high‑potential upgrade that could help Phoenix push for a deep playoff run in the near future.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/phoenix-suns/news/suns-acquire-20-ppg-scorer-g-league/5450c17e87c0f12cb6413a5f ]