The Phoenix Suns will not exercise former lottery pick Jalen Smith's rookie option ahead of Monday's deadline, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Smith, the 10th overall selection in last year's draft, is the only first-rounder from the 2020 class whose option was reportedly declined. That means he will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
The 6-foot-10 Smith earned All-American honors as a sophomore at Maryland, averaging 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. He rose up Phoenix's draft board due to his combination of shooting and rim protection.
As the Suns took a leap in the Western Conference standings last season, Smith saw limited action as a rookie, scoring just 53 total points across 27 games.
Smith was Phoenix's top option at this year's summer league. Although he averaged 16.3 points and 12.5 rebounds per game, he shot 36.5% from the field, recorded a 1-to-2 assist-to-turnover ratio, and didn't register a blocked shot across four games.
With free-agent signee JaVale McGee filling the backup center role, Smith is once again relegated to reserve duty. He's played in just two of the Suns' five games this season.
