The Phoenix Suns were always likely to cut some players from their final roster ahead of the regular season - and with the real action less than a week away, they did just that in trimming away a couple of names. It was no surprise to see David Duke Jr. make way, but the players following him out the exit door was a surprise.
Point guard Jared Butler losing out on the battle for third string to Jordan Goodwin, who may have had the advantage of having been with the franchise in the past. On reflection, we may just have given Butler the kiss of death on this one. Having scored a team high 35 in the Suns' final preseason victory over the Los Angeles Lakers however, he couldn't have done any more to stick around.
Defensive abilities may have played part in Goodwin beating out Butler.
As was evident from the fan reaction to Butler's high scoring game, there were plenty who felt that covered up some less than stellar performances during his brief stint in Phoenix. Certainly compared to the more balanced approach of Goodwin, it is clear head coach Jordan Ott valued what he could bring on both ends of the court over Butler's raw speed and ability to get to the rim.
He also brought a bright offensive spark - but unlike in years gone by - the Suns have transitioned to a defensive-minded group. Butler was far easier to score on than Goodwin and even Collin Gillespie, who proved during preseason that he is more than deserving of the backup role that he solidified with his play.
Training camp battle victory in Phoenix: the Suns are keeping guard Jordan Goodwin as their 14th standard roster player entering the new season, per sources. Goodwin averaged 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 19 minutes in preseason. https://t.co/5erzMCGfDf
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 18, 2025
Really though the 25-year-old couldn't have done any more with the opportunity presented to him, the Suns just wanted to bring their roster down to 14 players, which they achieved. They can now make a move if needed over the course of the season - and given neither Jalen Green or Mark Williams have yet to appear for the organization - that is useful flexibility to have.
The reality is that it is better for the Suns to be able to move a different kind of player into the spot that Butler's absence creates, instead of having him sitting there as the fourth point guard on the roster. With Devin Booker, Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale also needing minutes, there just wasn't space to give him the run required in The Valley.
Which is a shame for him personally, although perhaps his play has opened the door of another gig elsewhere. The Houston Rockets for example - as we have already discussed - should take a look at the former Baylor standout. A disappointing end to a bright preseason spark for the team, but further proof that there's more depth in Phoenix than the experts would have you believe this season.