The Phoenix Suns already have 15 players on their roster ahead of next season, but with center Duop Reath getting a training camp invite, one of Jamaree Bouyea or Haywood Highsmith must be waived if they want to keep the big man.
Reath's skills at center too valuable to pass up
It is unfortunate that Mark Williams' shoulder surgery forced the franchise to extend the invite to Reath, especially for believers in Khaman Maluach.
Yet, if the Suns want to be competitive again this season, his skill set can be useful. Highsmith looks like the player who will have to get cut loose. He has had injury issues of his own, and although he can play across the forward line, the organization currently has Dillon Brooks, Miles Bridges, Oso Ighodaro, Ryan Dunn, and rookie Koa Peat in that department.
Head Coach Jordan Ott has raved about his willingness to defend in the past, and there is no doubt he would have earned minutes in the rotation on a more consistent basis this coming season. But the situation in The Valley has changed, and Highsmith will unfortunately likely be the casualty.
There is a credible case to ditch Bouyea instead. After all, the Suns brought back a pair of point guards in Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin who are above him on the depth chart. Pat Spencer is also lurking on a two-way deal and is likely eager to immediately secure a bigger role.
But Bouyea proved he could play alongside Goodwin in certain lineups, and his length is such an asset, particularly on those nights when Gillespie is being picked on defensively.
He can run the show for small periods and is an intriguing choice in the backcourt alongside Devin Booker if Jalen Green is traded down the road. There is more to like about keeping him around, including having a higher trade value than Highsmith.
Suns will succeed no matter which player they cut
If they decide to keep Reath, the Suns will be a better team regardless of whether they waive Highsmith or Bouyea. He simply brings too much to what is now the weakest position on the Suns' roster, and at 30 years old, he ticks the box of being a veteran Coach Ott can lean on.
It is a cruel break for both Bouyea and Highsmith, and whichever one is let go is sure to get another chance in the NBA at some point during the year. Both have earned it.
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