Suns Bolster Backcourt Depth with Jared Butler Signing

Competition Heats Up as Phoenix Adds Another Guard

The Phoenix Suns are shoring up their point guard position, reportedly bringing in former Philadelphia 76ers floor general Jared Butler. This move follows swiftly on the heels of another backcourt addition, Jordan Goodwin, signaling a strategic effort to strengthen the team’s guard rotation for the upcoming season.

Butler’s NBA Journey and Potential Impact

The one-year agreement for **Butler** was initially reported by ESPN’s **Shams Charania**. His addition provides a potential boost, especially after **Butler** enjoyed his most significant NBA stint with the 76ers last year. In Philadelphia, the 6-foot-3 guard started 17 of 28 games, averaging 11.5 points and 4.9 assists per contest, while shooting 43% from the field and a respectable 35% from three-point range. Before his time with the Sixers, **Butler** had previous stints with the Washington Wizards, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Utah Jazz.

The Phoenix Suns are signing guard Jared Butler to a one-year deal, per sources.

— Shams Charania (June 24, 2025)

European powerhouses Partizan and Olympiacos had also expressed interest in **Butler**, according to Serbian sports outlet Telesport, highlighting his value on the international market as well.

Suns Face Persistent Guard Depth Imbalance

Despite these new signings, the Suns’ true point guard depth still appears considerably thinner compared to their abundance of shooting guards. The team currently lists **Devin Booker**, **Jalen Green**, **Grayson Allen**, and rookie **Koby Brea** (on a two-way contract) as shooting guards. Additionally, wings like **Dillon Brooks** and **Royce O’Neale** can also play larger guard roles.

This issue of insufficient primary ball-handlers has been a recurring challenge for Phoenix, stemming from the trade of **Chris Paul** for **Bradley Beal** prior to the 2023-24 season. Since then, **Devin Booker** has frequently been tasked with extensive playmaking responsibilities. **Tyus Jones** remains the sole true point guard to have received substantial rotation minutes over a full season for the Suns.

Other point guards who have seen limited action in recent years include **Jordan Goodwin**, **Saben Lee**, **Theo Maledon**, **Isaiah Thomas**, **Jaelen Gillespie**, **Monte Morris**, **TyTy Washington Jr.**, and **Vasilije Micić**, with **Gillespie** finding the most consistent footing.

The Suns’ strategic decision to waive and stretch **Bradley Beal** this offseason not only cleared a roster spot – they still have one remaining after **Butler’s** signing – but also enabled Phoenix to leverage the mid-level and biannual exceptions, opportunities unavailable in previous seasons due to operating above the second apron.

Recent Guard Transactions and Roster Outlook

The addition of **Butler** and **Goodwin** signals a clear directive to enhance ball-handling options. Last season, teams that reached the NBA Finals, such as the Boston Celtics, often relied on multiple reliable ball-handlers to manage pressure and create opportunities. For instance, the Celtics featured **Jrue Holiday** and **Derrick White** as their primary facilitators, showcasing the value of deep guard play.

With **Butler** and **Goodwin** entering the mix, both are expected to vie for a consistent spot within the Suns’ rotation, adding a competitive element to training camp and preseason matchups.