Joining a Phoenix Suns team that is expected to compete for a title with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal in front of the strong charge is a mission complete for Drew Eubanks this offseason.
As such, he told Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic that he opted to land in The Valley due to the fact that his service has been highly sought by the Suns franchise heading to next season.
“I had interest from other teams along the same lines of what Phoenix was offering, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” he said. “I had an offer from Phoenix right out the gate. They were very high on me. My agent was saying they had the most interest out of anybody. Being able to go play for a contender and to play with guys like KD, Book and Beal, I just couldn’t turn that down.
“That’s kind of how I got there. I got a little taste of what it’s like playing with a superstar with Dame. I feel like every step in my career so far has prepared me for the next. I’m looking forward to the challenge in Phoenix and bringing some of what I learned playing alongside Dame last year and doing that with KD, Book and Beal.”
As told by Rankin, Eubanks was hunted by the likes of the Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and New Orleans Pelicans and was even handed by the Portland Trail Blazers a chance to return to them, but the center went on to ink a two-year deal worth $5 million with the Suns this summer.
Eubanks was solid for Portland last season upon compiling averages of 6.6 points, 5.4 boards, and 1.3 assists in 78 games played. Standing at 6-foot-10 in height, he is expected to serve up as a trustworthy backup for starting big man Deandre Ayton and further boost the Suns as a reserved unit.
“It was kind of a no-brainer to go with Phoenix when the time came,” Eubanks said. “They’ve been high on me really since I had a pre-draft workout with them back in the day and they’ve always kept in touch with my agent (James Dunleavy of Excel Sports Management) throughout my career.”
