Jared Butler: Signs with Phoenix Suns| Team Option Declined

Introduction

In a significant move during the 2025 NBA offseason, Jared Butler has officially inked a one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, following the Philadelphia 76ers’ decision to decline his team option. This transaction signals a fresh opportunity for Butler to revitalize his career in a new environment, while offering the Suns more backcourt depth and flexibility. In this article, we explore the background leading to the deal, contract details, Butler’s trajectory in the league, how he fits into Phoenix’s roster, and the implications for both player and club.

Background: How Did Butler Arrive at This Point?

The Team Option Declined

Jared Butler’s path to free agency began when the 76ers opted not to pick up his team option for the 2025–26 season. The declined option, valued at approximately USD 2.35 million, made Butler an unrestricted free agent. Philadelphia’s move underscored how competitive roster decisions and cap management can override continuity.

Prior to that, Butler had been traded midseason from Washington to the 76ers, and shortly thereafter had his two-way contract converted to a standard deal. His performance in Philadelphia — while promising — apparently was not enough to justify exercising the team option.

A Career in Flux

To understand this latest move, it helps to look at Butler’s career arc:

• After being selected with the 40th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Butler was initially traded to the Utah Jazz.

• He had stints in Utah and then was waived, eventually landing in Washington on a two-way deal.

• In early 2025, he was traded to Philadelphia and converted to a full contract.

• Across the 2024–25 season (combining his time with both teams), he played in 60 games, averaging 9.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in ~17.4 minutes per game.

• With the 76ers decline, Butler was free to explore new opportunities — and the Suns moved quickly.

The New Deal with Phoenix: Terms & Context

Contract Details

On July 24, 2025, Phoenix officially announced they had signed Jared Butler. The deal is a one-year, non-guaranteed contract, meaning the contract offers Butler a chance to earn a spot, but with limited financial security for the Suns.

While the contract is non-guaranteed, it still carries value and upside for Butler. Reports suggested a salary in the USD ~$2.46 million region for the season, aligning with mid-tier bench guard deals.

From Phoenix’s perspective, this is a low-risk, high-reward investment: if Butler performs well, he sticks; if not, the team retains flexibility.

Phoenix’s Official Statement

The Suns’ press release highlighted Butler’s youth (6’3”, 193 lbs) and prior experience, among other factors, as part of the rationale for the signing. In essence, Phoenix views him as a developmental piece who can compete for roster minutes and provide backcourt depth.

What Butler Brings: Strengths, Weaknesses & Fit

Strengths & Value Proposition

1. Youth + Upside
At 24 years old, Butler is still early in his career trajectory. Teams often value guards of his profile who have shown flashes of scoring, playmaking, and adaptability.

2. Proved Handling in Tough Spots
During portions of the 2024–25 season with Philadelphia, Butler posted his best numbers in 28 games: ~11.5 points, 4.9 assists, and solid shooting splits (.426/.352/.870). These performances suggest he can step up when asked.

3. Versatility & Depth
Butler’s ability to serve as a combo guard (capable of handling both scoring and playmaking roles) makes him valuable in rotation flexibility.

4. Low Financial Commitment for Phoenix
Because his contract is non-guaranteed, the Suns carry little risk if he doesn’t pan out. This allows Phoenix to maintain flexibility as the season evolves.

Weaknesses & Risks

1. Inconsistent Three-Point Shooting
While Butler has shown some capability from deep, his percentage hasn’t been consistently reliable. Further improvement is needed to fully stretch defenses.

2. Limited Defensive Impact So Far
While not a glaring liability, Butler has not stood out as a defensive disruptor in the league. To carve out meaningful minutes, elevating his defensive contributions will be key.

3. Roster Competition
He will likely compete with other guards (including Jordan Goodwin, acquired by Phoenix) for the limited bench backcourt spots.

4. Role Uncertainty
Given the non‐guaranteed nature of his contract, Butler must prove quickly in training camp and preseason that he deserves roster security.

Fit with Phoenix

The Suns’ roster is anchored by Devin Booker as the lead guard. Beyond that, the backcourt depth has been a focus, and adding Butler provides a developmental option who can be molded into a rotational role.

In recent preseason action, Butler already has shown flashes — e.g. posting 12 points off the bench in an exhibition game against the Lakers. Phoenix’s strategic approach seems to be stacking up low-commitment talent behind their starters, giving them cost control while opening the door for breakout contributions.

Implications & Outlook

For Jared Butler

This signing is a crucial opportunity. With the 76ers declining the option, Butler is entering a “prove it” season. If he can secure a reliable bench role or stretch into more rotation minutes, he could leverage the season into a more stable contract next year. Conversely, a shaky performance could leave him chasing roster spots or two-way deals.

For the Phoenix Suns

Phoenix benefits from an affordable, flexible gamble on guard talent. If Butler delivers, the Suns gain meaningful backcourt depth without long-term commitment. If not, they suffer minimal downside.

It’s also in line with Phoenix’s broader team construction strategy, which is trying to balance star continuity (Booker, etc.) with supporting cast flexibility. The Suns’ offseason moves (e.g. waiving Bradley Beal’s contract, acquiring Jordan Goodwin) reflect an emphasis on roster agility.

Competitive Landscape

Other teams might have had interest, but the Suns’ quick move and controlled risk likely gave them an edge in negotiations. The non-guaranteed nature of the deal suggests other suitors may have preferred more secure commitments, which Phoenix was unwilling to offer.

If Butler flourishes, he could become a trade chip or depth piece Phoenix leans on in playoff runs.

Season Scenarios & What to Watch

Below are a few possible outcomes for Butler’s 2025–26 season, and the indicators to monitor:

What to Watch:

• Minutes and usage in preseason and early regular season

• Shooting splits and their consistency

• Coach comments on his role and trust

• Comparisons with Jordan Goodwin and other guard depth

Conclusion

Jared Butler’s signing with Phoenix Suns following Philadelphia’s decision to decline his team option marks a pivotal moment in his NBA journey. It’s a crossroads — the Suns get a youthful, low-risk talent in the backcourt, while Butler gets a shot to prove himself on a new stage. The coming months will tell whether this move becomes a stepping stone or a cautionary footnote.