The Phoenix Suns got ahead of the curve on Monday. 

The franchise officially signed third-year center Oso Ighodaro to a three-year, $29 million contract extension that will run through 2031 on Monday. This pairs the two sides together for the next four seasons and provides security for each party.

How exactly should evaluation of this deal be approached?

There are possible limitations that can arguably keep Ighodaro from taking another leap as a player. 

However, the Marquette alum already provides a solid floor, particularly on defense. The 6'10" center ranks in the 8th percentile in deflections/turnovers created, as well as in the 89th percentile in rim deterrence and shot blocking (Crafted NBA). 

Offensively, the Arizona native provides quality passing, screening, and a signature floater that staves off bigger players in the lane. Positional versatility and a lack of a jump shot likely hold him back from taking another jump forward at the moment, but he is a serviceable player at worst.

There's a world where this deal isn't one that Ighodaro simply lives up to. 

The other world is one in which the 24-year-old far exceeds this contract and earns a third deal that is much more lucrative down the line. 

How does the Arizona native take the requisite jump?

As discussed above, the multi-faceted center has to grow in refinement in the post, as well as in the jump shooting department. He must also grow as a rebounder on both ends of the ball.

The extent of Ighodaro's growth rests in three areas - consistency, refinement, and working around a below average frame.

There's absolutely a path that Ighodaro does make this jump, giving the Suns two foundational bigs - as Khaman Maluach is on the path to becoming a star himself.

This might be the best move that GM Brian Gregory has made over the course of the offseason/preseason - including re-signing Collin Gillespie.

Both sides benefit in the midst of this contract. Ighodaro's future is secured in the place he grew up in, while the Suns are reaping the benefits of a "value" contract that's only building up to become a better value for the organization in the years to come. 

Well done, Mat Ishbia and Gregory. The Suns clearly have a definitive direction now, and the organization is cashing out on identifying high-level players at economical costs.