The Phoenix Suns have found their rhythm in recent weeks, winning five of their last six games despite the continued absence of Jalen Green, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Devin Booker has carried much of the offensive load during that stretch, but strong contributions from Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen have helped keep Phoenix competitive. As the Suns look to bolster their depth and add additional scoring support, the team has made another roster change.
Phoenix announced Monday that it has waived forward CJ Huntley, who had been on a two-way contract. Huntley, an Appalachian State product, had yet to make his NBA debut. In three games with the G League’s Valley Suns this season, he averaged 13.3 points and 9.7 rebounds. According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, the move opens a roster slot for Phoenix to sign guard Jamaree Bouyea to a two-way deal.
Bouyea has been one of the G League’s most productive guards early in the season. Through four games, he has averaged 20 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists, showcasing the all-around skill set that earned him attention from NBA teams. Two-way contracts allow players to spend up to 50 games with the NBA club, giving Phoenix additional flexibility as they deal with early-season injuries.
Unlike Huntley, Bouyea brings prior NBA experience. He has appeared in 19 games across three seasons with multiple teams. His career high of 15 points came during a stint with the Milwuakee Bucks. Overall, Bouyea has posted career averages of 2.8 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
The Suns will have Monday night off before traveling to Portland to face the Trail Blazers on Tuesday, where Bouyea could make his first appearance with the team.
Mack Baltes is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He specializes in MLB and NBA, but also has experience covering the NFL, PGA Tour, English Premier League and NASCAR Cup Series. His work has been seen on Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated, FanSided’s Redbird Rants and Enforce the Sport.