Report: Jared Butler leaving Sixers for Phoenix Suns

Jared Butler is leaving the Philadelphia 76ers to sign a one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. The 24-year-old guard, a 2021 second-round draft pick, averaged 9 points in 17 minutes per game across 60 total appearances for both the 76ers and Washington Wizards during the 2024-25 season.

Butler joined the Sixers at last season's trade deadline, playing 28 games (including 17 starts) after his contract was converted from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract. Philadelphia declined his $2.3 million team option shortly before free agency began, significantly reducing the likelihood of his return. The subsequent re-signings of guards Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon made Butler's comeback virtually impossible.

The Sixers originally acquired Butler from the Wizards in a trade that also sent four second-round picks to Philadelphia in exchange for Reggie Jackson and a first-round selection. While Butler provided value as a traditional point guard—averaging 11.5 points and 4.9 assists per game with the Sixers while helping stabilize the roster amid injuries—the trade was primarily motivated by Philadelphia's desire to exchange a low-value first-round pick for multiple more useful second-round selections.