Jordan Goodwin is not returning to the Phoenix Suns, as the guard was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies in February 2024 and subsequently signed with the Grizzlies on a two-way contract. Reports suggesting a new multi-year deal between Goodwin and the Suns are inaccurate, as the player is currently an unrestricted free agent following his tenure with Memphis.
Current Status of Jordan Goodwin
Jordan Goodwin is currently an unrestricted free agent. After being traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2024 as part of the Royce O’Neale deal, Goodwin was immediately waived by Brooklyn, according to [NBA official transaction records](https://www.nba.com/transactions). Following his release, he signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
As of the current offseason, Goodwin is no longer under contract with the Suns. The franchise has moved in a different direction regarding its bench depth, prioritizing other roster spots as they manage a high-payroll salary cap structure under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Why the Phoenix Suns Roster Changed
The Phoenix Suns traded Goodwin during the 2024 trade deadline to acquire veteran forward Royce O’Neale. This move was part of a broader strategy to add perimeter defense and playoff experience to a roster headlined by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
According to [ESPN reporting](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39474771/sources-suns-acquire-royce-o’neale-three-team-deal), the Suns viewed O’Neale as a necessary piece to bolster their rotation for a postseason run. While Goodwin provided energy and rebounding during his time in Phoenix, the team’s front office, led by general manager James Jones, opted to consolidate assets to meet the requirements of the NBA’s second apron, which severely limits a team’s ability to retain multiple depth pieces.
Comparison: Goodwin’s Role in Phoenix vs. Memphis
Goodwin’s statistical output shifted significantly between his two most recent stops:
| Team | Games Played | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game |
| :— | :— | :— | :— |
| Phoenix Suns (2023-24) | 40 | 5.0 | 2.9 |
| Memphis Grizzlies (2023-24) | 24 | 10.0 | 8.0 |
The disparity in production, specifically his rebounding, was largely due to the injury-depleted nature of the Memphis Grizzlies roster late in the season. While in Phoenix, Goodwin played a secondary role behind the team’s primary stars. In Memphis, he saw an increased usage rate, allowing him to demonstrate his versatility as a guard who can contribute on the glass.
What Happens Next for Goodwin
As an unrestricted free agent, Goodwin is free to sign with any NBA team. Given his performance with the Grizzlies—where he recorded multiple double-doubles—he remains a candidate for teams seeking backcourt depth on veteran minimum or training camp contracts.
The Suns, meanwhile, have focused their offseason efforts on filling out their roster with players who fit specific roles around their “Big Three.” The team has added veterans like Mason Plumlee and Monte Morris to address depth concerns, signaling that a reunion with Goodwin is not part of their current personnel strategy.