The Phoenix Suns today signed Utah Jazz unrestricted free agent guard Raja Bell, a proven defensive stopper, to a multi-year contract.

The five-year NBA veteran (Philadelphia, Dallas, Utah) is coming off his best statistical season with the Jazz in 2004-05 after posting career highs in scoring (12.3), rebounds (3.2), assists (1.5), field goal percentage (.454) and minutes played (28.4). The Jazz co-captain played in 63 games with 32 starts.

?Raja represents everything you look to add to your team to help you win basketball games,? said Suns President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo.  ?Raja is another piece that will radically improve our efforts on the defensive end, but you can?t overlook his offensive skills. People-wise, he is as impressive a young man as there is in the game. Phoenix fans will love him.?