For all of the changes the Phoenix Suns have made to their roster this offseason - and no fewer than nine new faces have come through the door - the franchise still doesn't have a point guard to run the show. The irony being that Tyus Jones - who was on this roster last season and who is now with the Orlando Magic - would have been the ideal fit.
The reason for that is because for all of Jones' flaws defensively, he can set the table like few others in the league. The issue was that the Suns were a terrible team on that end this season, but additions such as Dillon Brooks and Khaman Maluach would have covered the lack of size from Jones in that department.
Los Angeles Lakers signing of Marcus Smart a blow for Phoenix.
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially continued their tradition with LeBron James of signing former Boston Celtics point guards, with Shams Charania of ESPN breaking the news that Marcus Smart would be heading to L.A. once he clears waivers. Smart having been bought out by the Washington Wizards, in a deal that has several links to the Suns.
BREAKING: Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN. A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/8g9Bxzz11E
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2025
Jones previously played in Washington before heading to Phoenix, while Bradley Beal just signed a two year, $11 million contract having been bought out by the Suns to go to the other team in Los Angeles in the Clippers. That's the same contract Smart is thought to have signed to team up with James and Luka Doncic.
This is annoying for the Suns because not only is the need for a point guard urgent, but Smart clearly would have fit in well with this new group. They're building a more defensive identity and thanks to buying out Beal are no longer over the first or second apron. There was a way to get a deal done, and they also have the space on their roster too.
Smart isn't a guy you think of for elite passing at the position, but he would have been an excellent defender and could have been brilliant next to both Devin Booker and Jalen Green. It is hard not to imagine the likes of Ryan Dunn also not raising their game by having a veteran who had many deep postseason runs in Boston either.
With Chris Paul unlikely to head back to The Valley, this was another one that got away. It is great to have a youth movement growing in Phoenix right now, but you do need some veterans to steer the ship. Smart would have been an ideal addition for that reason, as well as the fact he fills what is their current biggest position of need. Instead it is the Lakers who once again profit.