On Wednesday, the Phoenix Suns made two notable moves, acquiring Jordan Goodwin off waivers and signing Jared Butler to a contract within hours. Jared Butler, a promising young guard, now has a fresh opportunity to showcase his talents in Phoenix as part of the Suns’ evolving roster. The Jared Butler Phoenix Suns preview explores how this signing might impact the team moving forward.

Tracing Jared Butler’s Journey Through the NBA

Jared Butler entered the league as the 40th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, originally selected by the New Orleans Pelicans. However, his rights were quickly traded to the Utah Jazz, where he spent a single season before being waived. Following this, Butler began a series of contracts across several teams, including two-way deals with the Oklahoma City Blue and the Washington Wizards. Despite limited playing time early on, Butler showcased potential that eventually earned him a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers at the season’s trade deadline.

Butler’s four years in the NBA have been a constant battle for minutes and stability. While on the Wizards, he earned playing time primarily on a two-way contract, similar to former Suns player Collin Gillespie’s path. His performances with Washington and Philadelphia demonstrated his value as a contributor, proving that he could fill a rotational role when given the opportunity.

Performance Highlights that Put Butler on the Radar

During the 2024-25 season, Butler played 32 games for the Wizards, where he averaged 6.9 points and 2.6 assists in just over 11 minutes per game. His standout outing came in a game against the 76ers, where he scored 26 points with seven assists, four rebounds, and a steal—outshining Reggie Jackson, the player he was traded for. In that game, he demonstrated his scoring ability at the rim, effective playmaking, and reliability from three-point range, going a perfect 3-for-3 beyond the arc.

This performance was a catalyst for his trade to the 76ers, who were dealing with injuries and a transitional season. With Philadelphia, Butler’s role expanded significantly; he played 28 games and started in 17 of those, increasing his averages to 11.5 points, 4.9 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in nearly 25 minutes per contest. Notably, he scored in double digits in more than half of these games, including a 25-point effort against the Atlanta Hawks late in the season, reaffirming his ability to contribute at a higher level.

The Contract and What It Means for the Suns

Jared Butler has agreed to a one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, as confirmed by multiple sources including Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller. This deal, reportedly non-guaranteed or structured as a training camp contract, allows Butler to compete alongside Jordan Goodwin for a roster spot as the Suns finalize their backcourt options heading into training camp.

Free agent guard Jared Butler has agreed to a one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller of @PrioritySports tell ESPN. The 2021 second-rounder averaged 9 points in 17 minutes per game over 60 contests for the 76ers and Wizards last season. pic.twitter.com/5RvcgFmOsG

—Shams Charania, NBA Insider

Suns make the Jared Butler signing officially official. Details not given, but as I reported yesterday, it’s another non-guaranteed deal, and he will compete with Jordan Goodwin for that third PG spot on the roster pic.twitter.com/e4YVMmr4iX

—Gerald Bourguet, Insider Reporter

This arrangement suggests the Suns are aiming to maintain roster flexibility. Both Butler and Goodwin will vie for the third point guard position, with the possibility that one could be waived depending on roster needs and any future trades. The Suns’ front office seems intent on fostering competition for guard minutes, signaling a strategic approach to depth creation.

Analyzing Butler’s Key Strengths and Areas for Growth

Jared Butler’s strengths primarily lie in his ability to drive aggressively to the basket and his proficiency finishing around the rim. His comfortable attacking style, combined with a soft touch on floaters, makes him a threat when penetrating defenses. Additionally, Butler’s court vision has allowed him to serve effectively as a playmaker for a secondary unit, providing a spark for teams in transition.

However, Butler’s three-point shooting has been inconsistent, varying game by game. When his shot is on, he can stretch the floor effectively, but his range remains streaky overall. Defensively, he brings intense effort and energy, traits that align well with the Suns’ current focus on a high-energy, hustling identity. While he can generate some steals and hustle plays, Butler is not known for his defensive prowess compared to competitors like Jordan Goodwin.

Regarding athleticism, Butler is not the most explosive guard, which may limit his defensive impact and ability to keep pace with quicker opponents. This physical limitation is recognized by the Suns, who nevertheless believe his skill set and competitive drive offer valuable depth and upside on their roster.

What Could Butler’s Role Look Like in Phoenix?

Expectations for Butler entering the Suns roster should be measured but optimistic. His signing is considered a “flyer”—a low-risk move that could pay dividends if Butler seizes the opportunity during training camp and beyond. If he earns the tertiary point guard role, Butler would provide depth behind the Suns’ primary ball handlers, ready to step in if injuries or rotations require it.

While it’s possible Butler might be waived before the regular season, the Suns appear willing to give him a fair chance to compete. If Butler can build on the promise shown in his performances with Washington and Philadelphia, he could carve out a steady NBA role, contributing solid minutes and playmaking on a team aiming for continued success.

The Road Ahead: Butler’s Opportunity to Shine

Jared Butler’s journey has involved perseverance through multiple teams and fluctuating roles, and his arrival in Phoenix marks a new chapter that might unlock his true potential. With the Suns prioritizing depth and energy in their backcourt, Butler’s playmaking and scoring ability provide a dynamic option to bolster the roster.

How he performs in training camp and the preseason will likely determine his place with the Suns, but this signing embodies the hope and excitement fans associate with uncovering a hidden gem. Butler’s development this season could influence the Suns’ guard rotation and potentially offer a valuable asset during what is expected to be a competitive campaign.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What medical condition does Jared Butler have?

A. When Butler was a first-year student at Baylor, doctors found he had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a rare heart disorder that’s inherited. Even though he doesn’t show symptoms, it lowered his appeal to scouts in the draft.