Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight likely done for season

Brandon Knight's Suns season barely even started and now it appears to be shutting down.

Knight is not expected to play again this season for the Suns due to a heel bone bruise associated with the left ankle sprain that he suffered on March 9. Knight will not join the Suns on their four-game trip that starts with a Tuesday night game at Atlanta. When the Suns return, the only remaining game will be an April 14 season finale against the Los Angeles Clippers that Knight is not expected to play.

"It's a tough situation," Knight said. "If it feels better, we'll see what happens but I'm in no rush to come back and make any worse. You can't just keep pounding on a bruise and have it get better."

Knight only has played 11 games for the Suns since they traded for him on Feb. 19. He averaged 13.4 points and 4.5 assists in 31.6 minutes per game with 35.7 percent shooting from the field and 31.3 percent shooting on 3-pointers.

Knight suffered the left ankle sprain when he drove into the lane and collided with Golden State's Draymond Green. He missed eight games before trying to return but aggravated the heel while trying to plant in transition.

"From our standpoint, we need that to heal so I would guess he's out for the season," Suns coach Jeff Hornacek said.

Knight, 23, will be a restricted free agent in July, when the Suns will be able to re-sign him or match any offer sheet he signs with another team.

"I wish I could've been healthier throughout the process but that's part of basketball," Knight said.

Suns center Alex Len, out for the past two games with a broken nose, will join the team in the middle of the trip and possibly play as early as Friday night at New Orleans. Len is getting a face mask Wednesday to wear during play.