PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory finally addressed the team’s point guard issue, with the signing of former Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared Butler. The 24-year-old was drafted 40th overall in 2021 and has played with four teams in his first four seasons. Last year’s campaign had career highs for Butler in points, assists and three-point percentage. The Suns get one of the most underrated point guards in free agency to add to its bench next season.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Mar 29, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared Butler (12) controls the ball against the Miami Heat in the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
What Butler brings to Suns:
Because of the down years from Washington and Philadelphia, Butler went under the radar for his contributions last season. He appeared in 32 games for the Wizards, playing only 11.3 minutes a night and averaging 6.9 points and 2.6 assists. However, at the trade deadline, he was a part of a trade that sent him to the city of brotherly love, which gave him the first chance at a starting role.
Apr 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared Butler (12) passes the ball against the Chicago Bulls in the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The 76ers were decimated by injuries, which allowed Butler to appear in 28 games, starting 17 of them, while playing a career high 24.4 minutes a game. Despite the team’s lack of success, the former Baylor Bears’ guard recorded 11.5 points and 4.9 assists on 35.2% from beyond the arc. Butler’s most notable performance was the penultimate game of the season against the Atlanta Hawks, where he dropped 25 points, seven assists and two steals.
In the final 11 games of the year, Butler went on a tear surpassing 15+ points seven times, while leading the team in assists with 5.5 per game during that span. The former All-American had finally looked to put the pieces together in his professional career, after his stellar collegiate career with Baylor.
Apr 11, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared Butler (12) controls the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The Suns will benefit greatly with the addition for Butler that can switch from a starting to bench role flawlessly. Phoenix gets a true playmaking point guard that can help facilitate the offense for star shooting guard Devin Booker, as he is most effective moving without the ball. It wouldn’t be surprising if Butler has another career year with the Suns, coming off the back of a stellar finish to last season’s campaign.
Suns claim Jordan Goodwin off waivers after Lakers cut him loose
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
