The remainder of the trade exception acquired in last August's Joe Johnson deal expired Monday, but the Suns' interest in adding another experienced player has not.

Phoenix intends to sign another free agent to a guaranteed deal, the roster's 13th, in the next two weeks. The Suns are open to adding a player at any position.

"It will be a veteran who can shoot the ball a bit and someone who athletically fits our system," Suns Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin said.

The $3.6 million trade exception, which could have offset a salary gap in a trade, expired as few teams needed to dump a contract.

The candidate of late appeared to be Charlotte power forward Melvin Ely, but it was of little interest to the Bobcats. It became less appealing to Phoenix with Ely, a restricted free agent, seeking more years in a sign-and-trade deal.

"It was fairly obvious given our roster and where we are that we weren't going to spend that kind of money," Griffin said. "Our need for a player of that magnitude isn't as great as the past."