PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns make a stellar pickup on the waiver wire, snagging former Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Goodwin, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Los Angeles waived Goodwin to make room money-wise to sign Marcus Smart to the Bi-Annual exception. The 26-year-old received high praise for Lakers head coach for his grittiness on the court. However, the front office is taking a risk on the former defensive player of the year, while Phoenix reunites with a former guard on its roster.
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Apr 13, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Goodwin (30) chats with referee David Guthrie (16) in the first half in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
Charania on the Suns picking up Goodwin:
Goodwin was a part of the Bradley Beal trade, coming from the Washington Wizards in 2023. The 6’3 guard struggled offensive, shooting 28.8% from beyond the arc on 2 attempts per game in 40 games. His defense intensity was no questioned, but Goodwin’s offensive game left a lot to be desired. Then General manager James Jones flipped Goodwin in a three-team trade that sent him to the Brooklyn Nets, while Phoenix received Royce O’Neale in return.
Dec 25, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (0) shoots against the Dallas Mavericks at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Nets waived Goodwin, and he signed with the Memphis Grizzlies, appearing in his 17 games doubling his point total to 10.0 points and 4.5 assists. The shooting percentages were still below averaged but the pieces were coming together for the young guard. Despite the strong end to 2023-2024 season, Goodwin was left unsigned midway through last season.
The Lakers would sign him to a two-way contract in February, but after shooting 38.2% from 3 on 2.3 attempts per game, the franchise would give him a standard NBA contract a month later. Goodwin was looked to be a key piece in Los Angeles next season but soon found himself again without a team. The Suns will certainly take advantage of getting a young guard like Goodwin as a cheap option to be crucial part of their rotation in 2025.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
