Phoenix has moved early to keep Oso Ighodaro in its frontcourt plans, reaching agreement on a three-year, $29 million extension that begins in 2028. The deal follows the Suns’ decision to exercise his 2027-28 team option, lining up the backup center to remain under contract through 2031.
Key takeaways
- Ighodaro’s new three-year extension carries a reported value of $29 million.
- Phoenix will first retain him for the 2027-28 season by picking up its existing team option.
- The 2024 second-round selection appeared in all 82 games during the 2025-26 campaign.
- He posted averages of 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season.
- Mark Williams is sidelined indefinitely with a left shoulder injury, creating a bigger opening in the center rotation.
Frontcourt insurance becomes a longer-term commitment
Ighodaro has carved out a dependable reserve role since arriving as a second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. His value has come in the ordinary possessions that hold together a second unit: screening, rebounding, moving the ball and giving Phoenix another capable big behind its primary center options.
His 82-game run in 2025-26 gave the Suns a reliable availability marker as well. Ighodaro finished the season at 6.5 points and 5.1 boards per game, while his 2.3 assists reflected the passing element Phoenix has been able to use from the spot.
The extension does not begin until 2028, but the option decision keeps the contractual bridge intact. Phoenix now has Ighodaro controlled for 2027-28 before the new three-year agreement takes over and runs through 2031.
Williams injury shifts the immediate rotation
The timing matters in the middle of the Suns’ rotation. Mark Williams will be out for an indefinite period because of a left shoulder injury, putting additional responsibility on the available centers.
That should give Ighodaro a clearer chance to matter beyond his established backup minutes. Phoenix has already seen him handle a full regular-season schedule; with Williams unavailable, the Suns will need that same steadiness around the rim and in the day-to-day frontcourt workload.
