Phoenix Suns sign veteran forward Thaddeus Young, have him Thursday at Dallas Mavericks

The Phoenix Suns have signed Thaddeus Young and expect the 35-year-old veteran forward to be with them for Thursday's game at the Dallas Mavericks coming out of the NBA All-Star break.

The team announced the signing Tuesday after The Arizona Republic reported earlier in the day that sources said the Suns were prepared to bring on board.

“Thad is a highly respected veteran player who makes us a better team in our pursuit of winning an NBA Championship,” James Jones, Suns president of basketball operations and general manager, said in a team news release. “Thad is extremely intelligent and plays with a competitive intensity. His size and defensive abilities add versatility to our roster.”

Young thanked the Toronto Raptors on X this week. He joined Toronto as part of a trade with the Spurs before the NBA trade deadline in 2022. He averaged five points and 3.5 rebounds in 103 games with the Raptors.

"Huge thanks to Toronto, my forever family! Grateful for the love, lessons, and memories," Young tweeted.. To my young brothers, keep striving and find your balance. Always here for you. Forever grateful to Raptors. Gratitude. We The North."

The 6-8, 235-pound Young will look to provide some frontcourt depth for the Suns and could be used in small-ball lineups.

Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns sign forward Thaddeus Young