Grant Hill Doesn't Desert Phoenix, Stays With Suns For Two-Year Pact

July 10, 2009 8:09 p.m. EST

Phoenix, AZ (AHN) - Grant Hill perhaps could have inked deals with the Celtics or Knicks, but instead opted to remain in the desert.

Hill will return to the Suns for $3 million next season, and has a player option for 2010.

It's an interesting move, to not move, as Phoenix dealt away Shaquille O'Neal coming off a strong season and may be looking to trade Amare Stoudemire, as well.

Hill opted to stay in Phoenix, "largely because he feels he has unfinished business there. The Suns placed their faith in him. He didn't want to leave Phoenix on a sour note," his agent Lon Babby told espn.com

It's a mutial love-affair between Hill and the team, as the Knicks nearly offered double ($5.8 million) for the ex-Duke star to come to the Big Apple.

Babby said, "Grant assessed the quality of the team he would be returning to in Phoenix and feels comfortable they are going to be extremely competitive, and they're excited about that."

Hill played in all 82 games last season, finally having the durability injuries have not allowed him to in the past.

Hill averaged 12 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game last season.

He averages 18.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per contest for his career, which spans 14 years.