Suns to pursue Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in free agency?

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson chose Arizona once, so maybe he’ll do it again.

The Phoenix Suns are expected to pursue the former Arizona Wildcat in free agency, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Hollis-Jefferson is an unrestricted free agent after the Brooklyn Nets decided not to extend a qualifying offer that would have made him a restricted free agent.

However, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7, who is as connected to Phoenix sports teams as anyone, tweeted that “contrary to reports I do not expect the Phoenix Suns to show any interest in free agent Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.”

The 24-year-old forward is coming off an injury-plagued 2018-19 season, in which he averaged 8.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, a notch below his career-best averages of 13.9 and 6.8 in 2017-18.

The former first-round pick appeared in 59 games, making 21 starts for the Nets, who reached the playoffs for the first time in four years.

Offensive limitations aside, the 6-foot-7 Hollis-Jefferson is regarded as a terrific, versatile defender, something the Suns do not have an abundance of.

Phoenix finished second to last in the NBA in defensive rating this past season, allowing 115.1 points per 100 possessions.

The Timberwolves and Rockets are also expected to show interest in Hollis-Jefferson when free agency begins at 3 p.m. PT on June 30.

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