Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Top-ten free agent signings in Phoenix Suns history

By Adam Maynes

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 3: Steve Nash #13 and Quentin Richardson #3 of the Phoenix Suns talk during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 3, 2004 at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The Timberwolves won 97-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Licence Agreement. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX - DECEMBER 3: Steve Nash #13 and Quentin Richardson #3 of the Phoenix Suns talk during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 3, 2004 at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The Timberwolves won 97-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Licence Agreement. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD – 1997: Danny Manning #15 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles against the New Jersey Nets circa 1997 at the Contintental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Chuck Solomon/NBAE via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD – 1997: Danny Manning #15 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles against the New Jersey Nets circa 1997 at the Contintental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Chuck Solomon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

8. Danny Manning

(18.1 WS / .117 WS per-48)

After signing A.C. Green to a similar deal in 1994, Jerry Colangelo snagged Danny Manning, one of the most athletic power forwards in the game, on a handshake deal that would pay Manning $1,000,000 for one season (far below his true value), but after one year, Colangelo would offer him a large extension at his actual worth.

Manning, coming from Atlanta via the Clippers, wanted to win, and the opportunity to play with Charles Barkley and company was too much to pass up.

He agreed.

However, while on paper Manning made the Phoenix Suns a near superteam before the term even existed, Manning tore an ACL, ending his 1994-95 season only 46 games in.

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Phoenix was 36-10 at the time and arguably the best team in the league.

Injury or not, Colangelo was a man of his word, and while still recovering, signed Manning to a 6-year, $40 million dollar deal with an option for a seventh season.

The recovery took time, and 49 games into the 1995-96 season, Manning made his triumphant return.

Unfortunately for the Suns, it was a too little too late. The team at that point was fraying, injuries were taking their toll throughout the entire roster, and after Phoenix was bumped from the first round of the playoffs, Charles Barkley demanded a trade, which was granted.

Manning rebounded the following year, and with a 13.5ppg, 6.1rpg season – and playing in 77 games, with 60 off the bench – earned himself the Sixth Man of the Year Award, the third Phoenix Sun to do so.

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