Phoenix Suns center Marcin Gortat to wait for new deal until contract ends

The Phoenix Suns and center Marcin Gortat have decided to wait.

In October, Gortat turned down a multiyear contract extension from the Suns due to his desire to play out his current contract and then see what happens from there. Gortat is trying to put his focus elsewhere than off-the-court situations when his on-the-court progress hasn't been what he would like it to be in recent weeks.

"We just said we're going to wait," Gortat said in the Arizona Republic. "I want to finish this contract, and we'll see where I go from there. It didn't even bother me or change anything in my attitude or performance. The thing I'm concentrating on is coming back to dominating the game and getting back to being a defensive spark."

Gortat is making $7,258,960 this season and it would be interesting to see what his market value would be if he were to test out free agency. He is one of a very small number of true centers in the NBA right now and could come at a price if the Suns are to keep him around.

Gortat is averaging 11.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks through 14 games but his play is up-and-down from game to game. He hasn't reached double-digit rebounds in his last five games and in three of his last five, he's scored six points or less.