The Phoenix Suns’ former forward T.J. Warren is taking his game overseas. T.J. Warren has agreed to join Paris Basketball of France’s LNB Elite, according to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews. The 30-year-old turned down several more lucrative offers in Europe to sign with the Paris club, sources told Urbonas. Warren wanted a bigger role and was drawn to the location—two key factors in his decision. Last result: Phoenix Suns 122-131 Oklahoma City Thunder (2026-04-28).
What happened to T.J. Warren’s NBA career?
Warren’s last NBA stint came two seasons ago. He played for the New York Knicks’ G League affiliate in 2024-25, logging two full years there before bolting for France. Over 10 NBA seasons, he suited up for four teams: the Suns, Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves. His career averages sit at 14.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists across 385 games.
How did Warren’s time with the Phoenix Suns go?
Phoenix drafted Warren 14th overall in 2014 after two seasons at North Carolina State. He came off the bench early on, then cracked the starting five in his third year. From 2017 to 2019, he was the Suns’ second-leading scorer behind Devin Booker. In five seasons in Phoenix, Warren averaged 14.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 261 games. The Suns traded him ahead of the 2019-20 season, sending him to Indiana for three second-round picks.
What made Warren’s 2019-20 season stand out?
Warren’s best NBA season came in his first year with the Pacers. He posted 19.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 67 games. Inside the NBA bubble that same season, he went nuclear. Over 10 games, Warren averaged 26.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 54.1% from the field, 47.5% from three and 92.6% from the line. Many dubbed him the real “Bubble MVP.”
Speaking to HoopsHype in 2023, Warren said the bubble’s unique setup let him play freely. “That was all about the situation and timing,” he told the outlet. “We had guys out throughout those games, and I was able to take advantage of it.” Injuries derailed his next Pacers stint—he logged just four games in 2020-21 and missed all of 2021-22. The Nets signed him in free agency, then shipped him back to Phoenix midway through 2022-23 as part of the Kevin Durant trade. He later suited up for 11 games with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023-24.
Why does Warren’s move to Paris matter?
Warren’s Paris deal marks a fresh start after two G League seasons. He chose a bigger role over bigger paychecks in Europe, per sources. The LNB Elite club gives him a chance to play a central part while living in one of basketball’s historic hubs. His career arc—from Suns starter to trade chip to overseas free agent—shows how NBA journeys can pivot in unexpected ways.
The Phoenix Suns’ recent form hasn’t helped. The team has lost its last five games, including a 122-131 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 28, 2026. Warren’s move won’t fix that, but it gives him a new stage to chase his next chapter.