The Phoenix Suns have agreed to sign guard Jamaree Bouyea to a two-way deal, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Another roster move was necessary with Phoenix already carrying the maximum three two-way players. Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro first reported that center C.J. Huntley was cut from his two-way deal — the franchise could re-sign him on the Valley Suns if he passes through waivers.
The 26-year-old Bouyea has bounced around the NBA since entering the league in 2022 as an undrafted player out of San Francisco. He’s played a combined 19 games between stints with the Heat, Wizards, Trail Blazers, Spurs and Bucks.
The 6-foot-2 guard has averaged 20 points, 4.5 assists and two steals with the Austin Spurs in four G League games this season.
Bouyea has seemingly improved his 3-point shot this year, shooting 35% in the small sample size. He’s never shot above 30.6% from deep in the G League.
He gives the Suns an on-ball creator who can get to his spots for stepback jumpers or get downhill to finish near the rim.
Bouyea burst onto the national scene during an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022.
Why are the Suns signing guard Jamaree Bouyea?
The question is why Phoenix has made the move to sign him — and if it’s anything more than to bolster the talent level on the G League roster.
The Suns began the year with second-round pick Koby Brea, forward Isaiah Livers and rookie big man Huntley on two-way deals. The Suns had an open roster spot to elevate one to a standard deal, but they cut Huntley and could hope he passes through waivers to develop him on the G League roster.
Signing Bouyea gives them another depth piece on the ball as they move forward with guards Jalen Green and Grayson Allen battling injuries. Phoenix also saw backup guard Collin Gillespie sit out down the stretch against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday with leg cramps.
Green will be evaluated in 3-5 weeks, a timetable that puts him on the shelf through at least mid-December.
Allen is listed as day-to-day with a quad contusion suffered on Thursday against the Indiana Pacers.
