The Phoenix Suns had to choose between Jordan Goodwin and Jared Butler after both stars were sensational in preseason.
The Phoenix Suns have had to transform their roster this offseason, as they look to move on from their failed big-three experiment.
The first step was the Suns trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. After which, the Suns bought out Bradley Beal to try and readjust their roster.
In their place, the Suns signed Jordan Goodwin and Jared Butler to preseason contracts. Both stars ended up performing really well, with Goodwin even outscoring Devin Booker in a game.
But despite Jared Butler’s 35-point outing against the LA Lakers, the Suns had to make the decision to waive him.
Jordan Ott spoke to reporters after the Phoenix Suns’ practice session ahead of the new NBA season, where he discussed their recent roster moves.
When asked what went into the Suns waiving Jared Butler, Ott admitted that it was a tough decision, as he had played really well for them in preseason.
“Those decisions are always tough. He made it really tough. He was part of us for multiple months. He really helped our group, helped his teammates, and helped the intensity of our camp.
“Obviously, he helped us in games as well. A tough decision. He played well… Hopefully, at the end of it, JB knows that we tried to do the best we could… He’s a really good player, and we’ll see him again soon.”
"Those decisions are always tough and he made it really tough."
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 18, 2025
Jordan Ott on waiving Jared Butler.
"He played well and (Jordan Goodwin) played well."
On Goodwin: "There's an edge. There's a defensive piece. He played well. He played really well since he's been here." #Suns pic.twitter.com/sMa1zShPP5
Furthermore, when discussing how Jordan Goodwin pipped out Jared Butler for the final roster spot, Ott praised his presence on the defensive end as a huge plus.
“Just the extra roster spot gave us flexibility. Goodwin brings exactly what you’ve seen him play with for multiple years.
“There’s an edge, there’s a defensive piece. He’s played really well since he’s been here. His energy is infectious when you talk to him…”
Jordan Goodwin showed that he can contribute at a high level with the LA Lakers, and the hope is that he can do the same with the Phoenix Suns.
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