DONE DEAL: Pheonix Suns confirm another standout key man with a huge contract agreement

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Though Baylor men’s basketball senior forward Jalen Bridges didn’t hear his name called, he secured a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.

Bridges joins his freshman teammates, guard Ja’Kobe Walter, the No. 19 pick by the Toronto Raptors, and center Yves Missi, the No. 21 pick by the New Orleans Pelicans, as part of Baylor’s 2024 draft class. The last time Baylor had at least three players go pro was in 2012 when power forward Perry Jones (No. 28 pick by Oklahoma City), forward Quincy Acy (No. 37 pick by Toronto), and power forward Quincy Miller (No. 38 pick by Denver) were all selected.

The 6-foot-7 forward will team up with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal on a Suns team aiming to win now. Phoenix finished last season with a 49-33 record, placing sixth in the Western Conference. Bridges will have the opportunity to prove himself in the Summer League and potentially earn a spot on the roster. Given the Suns’ limited offseason resources, it’s possible Bridges could see playtime during the 2024-25 season.

As a senior, Bridges averaged 12.2 points, a team-leading 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, earning All-Big 12 Third Team honors. He improved his three-point shooting to 41.2%, which was crucial in elevating his status from an undrafted free agent to one of the first UDFAs to sign.