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Phoenix Suns preseason star cut ahead of regular season

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Connor Moreno | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 9:50 AM ET

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns are shoring up their 2025-26 roster as a week remains before their season opener against the Sacramento Kings, and a preseason favorite didn’t make the cut.

ESPN insider Shams Charania reported Friday that Phoenix cut Jared Butler and signed Jordan Goodwin, as the two were reportedly engaged in a training camp battle for the Suns’ 14th roster spot.

Butler was a darling out of preseason, finishing with an impressive 35 points, seven rebounds and nine assists against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old guard displayed dynamic scoring and playmaking prowess, and many thought he was well on his way to a roster spot.

Why Suns chose Goodwin over Butler

Taking a step back and analyzing the Suns’ needs, though, Goodwin, a gritty, culture-setting defender fits Phoenix’s needs and identity.

Butler was cut alongside David Duke Jr., and Phoenix is going into the season with 14 rostered and three two-way players. Teams can roster up to 15 players, but keeping one spot open is a common practice to maximize roster flexibility.

Fans won’t be able to see a full Suns roster on opening night just yet, as recently-acquired star guard Jalen Green is expected to miss with a lingering hamstring injury.

Sacramento comes into town to open the season against Phoenix in the Mortgage Matchup Center on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. PT.

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This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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