The Phoenix Suns today acquired forward Darius Bazley from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Dario Šarić and a second-round pick.
“I want to thank Dario for the time he spent with the team, which came during the franchise’s most successful stretch of seasons on the court. As we continue to build one of the best organizations in sports, we’re excited to add a young talent like Darius to an already dynamic and deep roster,” said Suns Governor Mat Ishbia.
Bazley joins the Suns after appearing in 36 games (one start) with the Thunder this season where he averaged 5.4 points on 44.9% shooting (40.0% from three-point range) and 3.4 rebounds in 15.4 minutes of action. The left-handed Bazley has scored in double figures four times this season, including a season-high 17 points in a win versus Chicago on Nov. 25.
Currently in his fourth NBA season at 22 years old, Bazley holds career averages of 9.2 points on 41.0% shooting and 5.4 rebounds in 221 games (118 starts), all of which have been played with Oklahoma City. Originally the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz, Bazley has scored 20+ points in 20 career games, including a career-high 29 points performance on March 13, 2022 against Memphis, and holds 26 performances with 10-plus rebounds. The 6-9 forward has recorded 19 career double-doubles.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Bazley concluded his high school career at Princeton High School in Sharonville, Ohio where he was a consensus five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American in 2018. Following his senior season, Bazley completed an unprecedented internship with New Balance, working in the company’s Boston office while preparing for draft eligibility in 2019.
Bazley will wear uniform No. 55.