Phoenix Suns fill final two-way spot, sign TyTy Washington, Jr.

The young guard has ties to the Valley of the Sun.

James Jones and the Phoenix Suns are not wasting any time assembling their roster for the 2024-25 season. In the past, Jones was known for his patient approach, often waiting to fill those final two-way spots. Last season, with the introduction of a third two-way spot, we wondered if he’d ever get around to it.

Not anymore.

The Suns signed two players to two-way contracts shortly after the 2024 NBA Draft was complete. Collin Gillespie — a second-year point guard out of Villanova — and Jalen Bridges — an undrafted rookie from Baylor — both signed with Phoenix on July 2. One month later, the final two-way spot has been filled, and it with a Phoenix native, TyTyWashington, Jr.

You may know Washington from his time in the NBA.

The 6’3” point guard has spent the last two seasons journeying around the Association. Drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 29th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of the University of Kentucky, he’s been passed around as a trade piece ever since. He has 42 games played to his credit, coming with the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks.

Others may know TyTy from his high school playing days.

Washington attended Cesar Chavez High School, where he averaged 20.1 points and 4.1 assists. The 6A school, who are current reigning state champions, were 22-7 in Washington’s final season before he transferred to Compass Prep in Chandler, Arizona. He earned MaxPrep Player of the Year for the state of Arizona in 2021.

After one season with the Kentucky Wildcats, where he averaged 12.5 points and 3.9 assists, he entered the NBA Draft.

TyTy has been up and down from the G League the past two seasons and played 24 games for the Wisconsin Herd last season. That’s right, he played for Chaisson Allen, who joined the Phoenix Suns coaching staff this offseason. Washington averaged 21.3 points and 8.3 assists with Wisconsin last season.

Washington provides Phoenix with a versatile combo guard off the bench, filling a role that the team currently lacks. While he may not be a traditional playmaker like Monte Morris or Collin Gillespie, Washington brings a unique blend of skills to the table. He can step in as a secondary ball-handler, create his own shot, and apply pressure on the defensive end.

Would I have preferred to see the team fill that final spot with a big? I would. That is probably the area where they lack the most depth. But it’s not my decision to make, now is it?

Here is an updated look at the Phoenix Suns roster:

What are your thoughts on the signing? Should the team have signed a big instead? Another wing? Or is the addition of TyTy Washington the correct move? Does it matter? Is he so far down the depth chart that it isn’t going to affect the overall path and trajectory of this team? Do you wish his name had a space in it, like “Ty Ty”?

Let us know in the comments below.