The Suns take action quickly! Lakers abandoned player Goodwin returns to Phoenix, and the depth of the backcourt is upgraded again

According to league sources, the Phoenix Suns claimed a clarification letter from free agent guard Jordan Goodwin on Wednesday. The player is expected to spark a scramble for multiple teams in the free market after being cut by the Lakers on Monday. ESPN took the lead in reporting that the Suns claimed Goodwin.

Previously, when former defensive player Marcus Smart reached a buyout agreement with the Washington Wizards, the Lakers quickly advanced and finalized the signing. To this end, the Lakers needed to free up about $5 million in salary space and finally chose to cut Sheck Milton and Goodwin to clear the obstacles for Smart's two-year, $11 million contract.

Goodwin, 26, is known for being a dynamic two-way player and plays as a substitute. He played for the Suns in the 2023-24 season. Although he had been in many teams early in his career, he performed well in 29 games last season, representing the Lakers. He averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, shooting percentage of 43.8%, and three-point shooting percentage reached 38.2%.

The Lakers management originally regarded Goodwin as an important rotation player in the second team. The Suns successfully recruited the point guard as several playoff-level teams became interested in it. At Phoenix, the all-round defender will work with Devin Booker, Jaylen Green and Colin Gillespie to build backfield depth and is expected to earn a lot of playing time in the 2025-26 season.

According to the rules, the claimed Goodwin contract amount this season is $2.3 million (if it is not withdrawn before January 7 next year), the Lakers will no longer have to pay a partial guaranteed amount of $25,000 in their contract. For the Suns, which urgently need to strengthen the backcourt, this zero-risk signing is a great value operation.