PHOENIX — With Mark Williams out for an extended period, the Phoenix Suns are turning to center Duop Reath to help fill the void in the middle of their lineup.
Suns got it done. Reath had several offers and chose the Phoenix Suns on a one-year vet minimum deal. https://t.co/iUmvinWemt
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) September 17, 2026
The club is signing center Reath to a one-year deal, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro. After Williams suffered a shoulder injury that is expected to sideline him for around five months, the Suns are banking on Reath’s experience to help stabilize the frontcourt in the meantime.
Williams’ absence threw a wrench into the Suns’ plans, as the 7-foot-1 center was expected to provide Phoenix with size, rebounding and a reliable presence around the basket. Losing him for such a long stretch leaves the Suns with a significant hole, but Reath gives them another experienced option to help fill it.
Apr 1, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Duop Reath (26) shoots over Atlanta Hawks forward Dominick Barlow (0) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Reath, 30, has spent the past three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers after playing professionally overseas. He has appeared in 146 NBA games, including 68 starts, and has averaged 6.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.
Reath’s biggest selling point is his ability to stretch the floor from the center position. His shooting gives Phoenix a different offensive option than a traditional big man and could allow the Suns to maintain more spacing when he is on the floor.
That shooting could be especially useful for the Suns as they rely on their perimeter scorers. If Reath can pull opposing big men away from the basket, it could create more room for Phoenix’s guards and wings to attack.
Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix center Williams (15) against the Boston Celtics in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While he is not a direct replacement for Williams, especially with Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach poised to make their cases for the starting center spot, having Reath on the roster gives the Suns another player at the position. His experience and ability to space the floor could make him a useful piece as Phoenix navigates Williams’ lengthy absence.
Ultimately, Reath does not have to replicate everything Williams brings to the court.
Nov 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles against Portland Trail Blazers center Duop Reath (26) during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
If he can provide reliable minutes, knock down open shots and give the Suns another dependable body in the frontcourt, he could help Phoenix weather the loss until Williams is ready to return.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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