Jordan Goodwin has won a training camp battle in Phoenix, according to Shams Charania of ESPN, who reports (via Twitter) that the Suns will retain the 6’3″ combo guard for the 2025/26 regular season.
The Suns claimed Goodwin in July after he was waived by the Lakers, who wanted to create room below the first apron to sign Marcus Smart. In late June, the Lakers picked up their team option on Goodwin’s $2.35MM contract for the upcoming season, which carries a guarantee of just $25K.
Goodwin, who turns 27 years old next week, averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steal on .438/.382/.818 shooting in 29 games (18.7 minutes per contest) for the Lakers in ’24/25. He also had a strong preseason for Phoenix, averaging 12.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.3 APG and 1.8 SPG on .462/.389/.700 shooting in four games (19.0 MPG).
This is Goodwin’s second stint with the Suns — the former Saint Louis standout, who is known for his defense, also spent part of ’23/24 with Phoenix prior to being traded to Memphis.
Goodwin’s primary competition for Phoenix’s 14th standard roster spot — the team is only carrying 14 players due its tax situation — was believed to be guard Jared Butler, a four-year veteran who played for the Wizards and Sixers last season. The 25-year-old also had an impressive preseason, averaging 15.5 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.3 RPG and 1.8 SPG on .471/.353/.667 shooting in four appearances (20.9 MPG).
The Suns have officially requested waivers on Butler and David Duke Jr., the team announced in a press release (Twitter link). Butler’s non-guaranteed training camp deal did not contain Exhibit 10 language, and it’s unclear what his next step will be. Duke’s deal did though, so he’s likely headed to the G League’s Valley Suns to open the season. Duke is another four-year veteran who has played for the Nets and Spurs.
Immediately after waiving Butler and Duke, the Suns signed Nathan Mariano and Sean McDermott to Exhibit 10 deals, tweets Keith Smith of Spotrac. Both players are locks to be waived in the coming hours.
Marino, 22, is a 6’9″ wing. He has spent several seasons playing professionally for Franca in Brazil, his home country.
McDermott, 28, spent time with Memphis on a two-way deal back in 2020/21. The former Butler Bulldog spent a few seasons in the G League with the Memphis Hustle before continuing his career overseas, playing in Italy and Turkey the past two years.