As the Phoenix Suns enter the post-Kevin Durant era, they have begun to construct a roster that contains less stardust but rather talented players with a point to prove. Unfortunately for the Philadelphia 76ers, Jared Butler -- who impressed during their horrifying 2024-25 campaign -- showcased his devastating attributes during Phoenix's 104-113 preseason victory against the LA Lakers.
Butler is fiercely competing for a spot on the Suns' roster after signing a one-year non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract during the offseason. This contract will enable the franchise to evaluate the former 76ers guard's abilities, with the option to waive the player and not pay the remainder of his contract if this is sanctioned before January 7, 2026.
After his latest performance, the Sixers may live to regret not handing Butler a similar contract during the Quentin Grimes saga.
Jared Butler stars for Phoenix
During his 35 minutes on the court, Butler recorded a blockbuster 35 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists, while sinking five of his nine shots from deep. It was a truly remarkable all-around performance from the 25-year-old, who had the pleasure of going toe-to-toe against the Lakers' prized asset, Luke Doncic.
The skill set that the Baylor graduate exhibited is exactly what the 76ers have been looking for to partner with Tyrese Maxey — an athletic playmaker who can also put a substantial amount of points on the board for his team.
Over his 28 games in a Philadelphia jersey, Butler did show glimpses of his potential, despite playing in a lineup that was void of confidence and plagued by injuries. He averaged 11.5 points and 4.9 assists throughout a period that 76ers fans will be happy to leave in the distant past.
Resigning Butler would have been a difficult conundrum for general manager Daryl Morey to solve. With the breakout campaign that Grimes put together, Philadelphia's selection of the exciting prospect VJ Edgecombe, plus the return of the injured Jared McCain, it is a struggle to see where the versatile guard would fit into this lineup -- even with the tactical changes that the head coach is suggesting.
One thing is for sure: the Philadelphia 76ers have got talented depth in their backcourt, so missing out on Jared Butler is far from a tragedy. However, given the questionable reserves that the Sixers have in forward positions, would it have made more sense to offer the Suns' new guard a smaller contract and save a portion of the salary cap for their scarce frontcourt? Only time will tell.