A general view of the Phoenix Suns logo on the court before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Suns Add Yet Another Shooting Guard, Poach Former Lakers Standout

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alex Kirschenbaum | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 6:11 PM ET

Even after stretching-and-waiving the odious remaining contract of former three-time All-Star Bradley Beal (who went on to ink a two-year, $11 million deal with the L.A. Clippers), the Phoenix Suns just cannot help bringing in shooting guards this offseason.

Sources inform Shams Charania of ESPN that Phoenix has claimed shooting guard Jordan Goodwin. The 6-foot-5 pro was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this month, along with veteran guard Shake Milton, to accommodate the club's recent signing of former three-time All-Defensive Team Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart to a two-season, $11 million bi-annual exception deal.

Funnily enough, Goodwin has the upside to actually become a more athletic version of the current Smart, who has lost a lot of his lateral quickness and durability over his past two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards.

The Phoenix Suns have claimed former Lakers guard Jordan Goodwin off free agency waivers, sources tell ESPN. Goodwin, waived by the Lakers to create roster space for Marcus Smart, is a gritty, upside pickup for the Suns backcourt. pic.twitter.com/SIMQXztpNi
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 23, 2025

Since going undrafted in 2021 out of Saint Louis University, the 26-year-old has been much-traveled around the league. Prior to his stints on the Lakers and now the Suns, Goodwin also played for the Wizards and their G League affiliate the Capital City Go-Go, the Grizzlies and their NBAGL squad the Memphis Hustle, and even a previous tour duty for the Suns in 2023-24.

Goodwin began the 2024-25 season as a two-way player for L.A.'s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. His defense-first intensity endeared him to head coach JJ Redick during the home stretch of the regular season.

In 29 contests for Los Angeles proper (five starts) last year, Goodwin averaged 6.2 points on .438/.382/.818 shooting splits, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals a night.

In the shooting guard department, Goodwin will compete for minutes against All-Star Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, and Jalen Green.

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

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