Suns emerging as favorites to land 7-foot-2 free agent

Bol Bol had an impressive 2022-23 season for the Orlando Magic. Yet, the rebuilding Eastern Conference franchise still decided to cut ties with the versatile big man by waiving him. On Thursday night, Bol Bol officially cleared waivers and became an unrestricted free agent. 

According to a report by Marc Stein, who was writing in his SteinLine newsletter, the Phoenix Suns are emerging as the favorites to secure Bol Bol's services.

"Bol Bol cleared waivers Thursday despite his very modest (and thus highly) claimable $2.2 million salary. Phoenix is said to have a level of interest in Bol and moved a player off of its roster Thursday night by shedding Isaiah Todd's contract in a trade with Memphis on Thursday night focused on draft compensation. It’s nonetheless startling in terms of the 7-foot-2 former Orlando’s forward standing leaguewide that he was not snapped up off of waivers at such an inviting cost."

Having the opportunity to play with the Suns would be hard for Bol Bol to pass up. If the fourth-year big wants to ensure he has a long career in the NBA, though, turning down a chance to join Phoenix might be in his best interest. The Suns already have centers Deandre Ayton, Chimezie Metu and Drew Eubanks on their roster for next season.

There will be multiple rebuilding teams around the NBA that would have a legitimate rotation spot for Bol Bol. The Golden State Warriors could also emerge as a potential landing spot due to their current lack of size. Right now, Bol Bol has choices. While the Suns may seem like the easiest path, it could work out to be a terrible decision for a big man who is looking for his third team in five seasons. Bol Bol has a big decision to make and it could be a deciding factor in how much longer he remains in the NBA.