Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green discusses joining the team
New Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green on joining the team after being traded from the Houston Rockets for Kevin Durant.
The Phoenix Suns and free agent guard Jared Butler agreed to a one-year deal, further bolstering a position of need on the team.
ESPN’s Sham Charania first reported the signing on July 23.
The four-year veteran fills the Suns’ final roster spot and adds more depth to their point guard position with Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin, who is also joining the team off waivers, Charania also reported on July 23.
Butler, 24, became an unrestricted free agent after the Philadelphia 76ers declined his contract’s team option.
He began the 2024-25 season on a two-way contract with Washington, before he was dealt to Philadelphia in exchange for Reggie Jackson at the trade deadline. He was then converted to a standard contract for the remainder of the year.
The 6-foot-3 Butler averaged a combined 9.0 points and 3.7 assists through 60 games for both teams, and started in 17 of his 28 appearances for Philly. His career averages are 6.7 points, 2.8 assists, .450/.341/.818 splits and a 2.5 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Butler is mostly remembered as a former NCAA First Team All-American who led Baylor to its 2021 national title, and was that year’s Final Four Most Outstanding Player. He’s spent most of his NBA career in the G League with the team affiliates of Utah, Oklahoma and Washington.
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