Earl Barron is the only Suns preseason player without a guaranteed contract but he is firmly in the mix for one of 15 regular-season roster spots.
The staff likes the 7-footer's grasp of the playbook, much-needed rebounding, mid-range shot and passing.
Barron could be competing with Shavlik Randolph, who has a guaranteed $1.23 million salary. Randolph was held out with a sore knee Thursday night.