The Suns have signed free agent forward Tyrese Samuel, according to RealGM’s official log of NBA transactions. It’s an Exhibit 10 deal, tweets Keith Smith of Spotrac.
A 6’10” big man from Montreal, Samuel spent four seasons at Seton Hall prior to transferring to Florida for a “super senior” season in 2023/24. In 36 games with the Gators, he averaged 13.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks in 26.8 minutes per contest, earning a spot on the All-SEC second team.
After going undrafted last year, the 25-year-old signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Suns and was waived before the season began. He spent his first post-college season with the G League’s Valley Suns and will likely be headed back to Phoenix’s affiliate team to open ’25/26.
Samuel had a fairly slow start with the Valley Suns during the Tip-Off Tournament last fall, averaging 7.8 PPG and 5.1 RPG in 16 contests (17.1 MPG). His role was expanded during the regular season, however, and he responded by averaging 10.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG and 1.0 BPG in 33 games (21.3 MPG).
If Samuel is cut by Phoenix and spends at least 60 days with the Valley Suns this season, he’ll be eligible to earn a bonus worth up to $85,300 on top of his regular NBAGL salary.
Phoenix is now at the offseason limit of 21 players under contract.