Suns sign Duane Washington Jr. to two-way contract

The Phoenix Suns have signed free agent guard Duane Washington Jr., the team announced Wednesday.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, it’s a two-way contract. 

The 22-year-old went undrafted in the 2021 draft out of Ohio State and signed a two-way contract with the Pacers, which was converted to a standard contract in April.

Indiana would waive Washington in July.

Last season, Washington averaged 9.9 points on 40.5% shooting from the field, 37.7% from three-point range, and 75.4% from the free throw line in 48 games with Indiana. Among qualified NBA rookies, he ranked 12th in points per game, third in three-point percentage, and ninth with 81 made three-pointers. 

He set a Pacers rookie record by making seven three-pointers at New Orleans on Jan. 24. He also appeared in 11 games with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA G League last season, averaging 19.5 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.

Washington will have an opportunity to compete for the backup point guard spot behind Chris Paul in Phoenix.