BREAKING: Phoenix Suns Sign Jordan Goodwin to One-Year Deal After Waiver From Lakers, Assume Full $2.3M Contract Obligations

In a move that could bolster their backcourt depth heading into the remainder of the 2025 NBA season, the Phoenix Suns have signed 26-year-old guard Jordan Goodwin to a one-year NBA contract after he was recently waived by the Los Angeles Lakers. The news was first reported by NBA insider Shams Charania, sending ripples across the league and sparking renewed discussion about the Suns’ roster flexibility, the Lakers’ evolving plans, and Goodwin’s potential impact on a new squad in the Western Conference.

Jordan Goodwin, who entered the league as an undrafted player in 2021 out of Saint Louis University, has carved out a reputation as a tough, defense-oriented guard who competes hard on both ends of the floor. His tenacity and physicality have helped him stay in the league despite not being a volume scorer. Most recently, Goodwin appeared in 56 games for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2024–25 NBA season, averaging 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game in just under 19 minutes of play. Most notably, he shot an impressive 38% from beyond the arc—a significant improvement in his perimeter game that could be crucial for his role with the Suns.

The signing is particularly noteworthy considering the Suns’ current roster situation. With Bradley Beal and Devin Booker occupying heavy minutes in the backcourt and both managing injury concerns throughout the season, the Suns have been searching for affordable yet effective rotational pieces who can provide spot minutes, handle the ball under pressure, and most importantly, defend at a high level. Goodwin fits that mold and could be an asset in their playoff push.

Since Goodwin was claimed off waivers, rather than signed outright after clearing them, the Suns are now fully responsible for his contract. This includes a $2.3 million salary for the 2024–25 season. Notably, that contract becomes fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster past January 7, 2026. The decision to claim him rather than wait for free agency signals that the Suns saw value in securing his rights quickly, even at the cost of assuming the full financial terms. For a team with luxury tax implications and limited flexibility under the new CBA, this move suggests belief that Goodwin can provide meaningful contributions without requiring major changes to the core rotation.

For the Lakers, the move to waive Goodwin was largely driven by roster pressures and financial constraints. He had a partial guarantee of $25,000 had he been waived outright, but because the Suns claimed him, Los Angeles is no longer on the hook for any amount. This small bit of financial maneuvering gives the Lakers a touch more cap breathing room and an additional roster slot heading into the final months before the trade deadline.

Goodwin, for his part, gets a fresh opportunity in a system that has shown a willingness to develop fringe rotation players into effective contributors. Phoenix head coach Mike Budenholzer, known for his structured defensive schemes and emphasis on disciplined team play, may be a perfect fit for Goodwin’s hard-nosed, blue-collar approach. In fact, Goodwin’s defensive instincts and willingness to fight over screens and battle for loose balls could earn him minutes early, especially if Phoenix opts to reduce the wear and tear on their veteran backcourt over the 82-game grind.

Still, this is not Goodwin’s first brush with a playoff-contending roster. Prior to his stint with the Lakers, he had brief appearances with the Washington Wizards and the Phoenix Suns themselves as part of the Bradley Beal trade chain in 2023. Though he didn’t receive extended playing time then, the Suns’ decision to bring him back indicates some degree of familiarity and belief that he fits better into this year’s revised system and personnel group.

Statistically, Goodwin remains a work in progress offensively, but signs of growth are evident. His shooting splits are respectable for a player in his role, and his assist-to-turnover ratio improved during his Lakers tenure, indicating better decision-making and ball security. While he’s unlikely to carry significant offensive responsibilities, his development as a spot-up shooter and secondary ball handler may allow him to complement the Suns’ high-usage stars rather than clash with them.

Moreover, the Suns’ need for perimeter defense cannot be overstated. With Jusuf Nurkić anchoring the paint but lacking lateral quickness, Phoenix needs guards who can contain dribble penetration and contest shots on the perimeter. Goodwin’s defensive rating in limited minutes placed him in the upper half of league guards, and his rebounding—3.9 boards per game as a 6-foot-3 guard—is particularly valuable for a team that sometimes struggles to close defensive possessions.

There’s also the question of locker room chemistry. Goodwin has long been praised for his professionalism, work ethic, and team-first mentality. These intangible qualities are often what separate fringe players who stick from those who cycle through multiple teams without impact. Phoenix, with its core of established stars and a serious championship aspiration, needs players who will buy into their roles and embrace limited minutes without ego. Goodwin’s career trajectory suggests he’ll do just that.

While this move won’t dominate headlines the way a blockbuster trade might, it reflects a smart, low-risk gamble by a team looking to fine-tune its margins. For Phoenix, adding a defensive-minded guard who can hit open threes and play within a system is precisely the kind of under-the-radar move that can pay dividends when injuries or fatigue set in later in the season. For Goodwin, it’s a second chance on a team with real postseason ambitions—a rare and valuable opportunity to cement his place in the league.

It remains to be seen how quickly Goodwin will be integrated into the Suns’ lineup. His contract structure suggests he’ll be given a genuine opportunity to prove himself before January 7. If he manages to impress in training and early game action, the Suns will gladly guarantee the full $2.3 million to retain him through the season. If not, they retain the option to waive him before the guarantee date with no financial penalty beyond what is already budgeted.

This sort of mid-season maneuvering is becoming increasingly common in the modern NBA, where player development, cap space, and depth are all interwoven. Phoenix clearly believes it can turn Goodwin into a meaningful contributor, and the next few weeks will show whether that belief is well placed.

For now, the move represents a fresh chapter for both player and team. Goodwin’s defensive grit and growing offensive toolkit give him a shot at sticking with the Suns through the spring. Phoenix, meanwhile, adds a young, motivated guard who fits the culture and could fill an important role in a championship-caliber rotation. It’s a textbook case of calculated risk meeting opportunity.

Good luck to Jordan Goodwin in Phoenix—his journey continues with another chance to prove he belongs on the NBA stage.