Report: Phoenix Suns acquire guards Jordan Goodwin, Jared Butler
The Phoenix Suns made two moves to bolster their backcourt for the 2025-26 season.
The Suns acquired guard Jordan Goodwin, who most recently was with the Los Angeles Lakers and formerly played for Phoenix. ESPN's Shams Charania first reported the news on July 23.
Charania also reported that a short time later, the Suns were signing free-agent point guard Jared Butler to a one-year deal. He spent last season with the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards.
Butler and Goodwin fill the Suns' two remaining roster spots for 15 guaranteed deals and help with their point guard void.
Butler averaged 9.0 points, 3.7 assists and 1.8 rebounds in 60 games in 2024-25.
The Suns have relied heavily on Devin Booker the past two seasons at point guard, despite being more suited for the shooting guard spot. The Suns, earlier this summer, retained point guard Collin Gillespie, signing him to a one-year deal after having him on a two-day deal last season.
Goodwin, 26, was claimed off waivers and agreed to a $2.3 million veteran minimum deal with only $25K guaranteed, and the remainder is fully protected if not waived by Jan. 7, per ESPN's NBA front office insider Bobby Marks.
Goodwin was released by the Los Angeles Lakers alongside Shake Milton to bring in veteran guard Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, signing him for their biannual exception of a two-year deal for $11 million.
During the 2024-25 season, his fifth, Goodwin averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals per game and shot a career high 38.2% from 3 in 18.7 minutes for the Lakers.
He's known for his defensive prowess and pushing the pace, but not considered a great outside shooter. Goodwin's career averages are 6.2 points, 3.8 boards, 2.4 assists and .410/.323/.763 splits.
Goodwin originally came to the Suns from Washington in the Bradley Beal trade in June 2023.
He was waived at the trade deadline in February 2023, signed with the Memphis Grizzlies on a 10-day deal, and then signed with the Lakers in September 2024.
Now, Goodwin replaces Beal, who was bought out by the Suns on July 16, then joined the L.A. Clippers.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
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