Suns Sign Diaw

Definitely a smart move by the Suns in what maybe considered inking the most versatile player of the NBA. I mean, Diaw pretty much plays every position, from point guard to center, and he can do it all well. Going from less than 5ppg with the Hawks, to a key player on a title contending team, Diaw not only got the most improved player of the year award, but he got one hell of a well deserved raise.

Boris Diaw has agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Phoenix Suns.

Diaw confirmed the agreement after the Suns beat Sacramento in a preseason game on Thursday night. He did not comment on the terms, but a source told The Associated Press it was worth $45 million.

“We didn’t sign anything yet but we’re going to make it tomorrow,” Diaw said.

The Suns scheduled a 1 p.m. news conference for Friday.

The deal was finalized Thursday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, who asked not to be identified because the team was not scheduled to officially announce the extension until Friday.

The agreement will keep the 6-foot-8 forward under contract through the 2011-12 season. It was first reported by Phoenix radio station XTRA Sports late Thursday afternoon.

After Saturday’s preseason game against Sacramento, Diaw confirmed that a deal had been reached.

The 24-year-old Frenchman came to the Suns as part of the trade that sent Joe Johnson to Atlanta a year ago and responded with a standout season that earned him the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. He moved into the starting lineup in place of injured Amare Stoudemire in the preseason and averaged 13.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists in the regular season. #