The Phoenix Suns have invited Duop Reath to training camp, and his likely eventual signing means they will have to say goodbye to either Jamaree Bouyea or Haywood Highsmith. Parting with either of them could be similar to their mistake of letting Jordan Goodwin go the first time.
Losing either could haunt Suns if they thrive like Jordan Goodwin
No matter which of these guys they ultimately waive—a decision they likely have to make after the Mark Williams injury news—there is a chance they could pull a Jordan Goodwin and excel elsewhere. You might remember Goodwin was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies back in the 2023-24 season, having a mini breakout as a starter before going on to play 33 games for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The only reason Phoenix was able to get a guy who eventually ended up being the best player in a trade they made for Bradley Beal back was that the Lakers made the same mistake they once did.
Searching for ways to improve a roster stretched to its limit as a result of having several superstars in pursuit of a championship, they underestimated Goodwin's abilities. The Suns didn't make that mistake again, and the numbers prove he was one of their standout performers last season.
If Bouyea is the player forced to depart The Valley, he looks like the better option to land elsewhere and carve out a role for himself.
He has proven he can run an offense for small periods of a game and is such a plus defender at the guard position, as a result of his size, that he was able to play alongside Goodwin at times last season. If anything, being a two-way guard is reason to keep him over Highsmith, because he could slot in next to Jalen Green in certain lineups and mask his current teammate's defensive shortcomings.
Highsmith was beloved by the Miami Heat during his time there and fit their culture excellently. The only reason he is squeezed out by Bouyea here is that we haven't seen the best of him in Phoenix as a result of injury. The Suns can't afford to carry any more injury-prone players if they hope to be competitive.
Whichever player is ditched may one day return like Goodwin
No matter who is sent packing, Reath has only been given a camp deal, and Williams won't be injured for the entire season. When the front office reshuffles the back end of their rotation once more, don't be surprised to see whichever one of these guys was waived resurface.
The Suns are gaining a reputation as an organization that looks after their players with fair extensions and career security, and have also proven they will reward guys who fit in with their style of play.
It is unfortunate, as both Bouyea and Highsmith make more sense here than anywhere else. That is why they may one day return and perhaps even pick up another long-term contract, as Goodwin managed to do this summer.
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