The Phoenix Suns arrive at training camp with 15 players on standard contracts already on their roster, and signing Duop Reath to a two-way deal could be the solution to ensure they don’t have to cut anybody else.
Everybody wins if Reath is signed on two-way
The thinking had been that in order for the Suns to add a third center in Reath in the wake of Mark Williams' shoulder injury, one of Haywood Highsmith or Jamaree Bouyea would have to be waived. That could still end up being the case, but adding Reath on a two-way contract would be a clever way to solve this problem.
This is the last year he is eligible to sign such a contract. Three years of experience in the league is the most you can have before you can no longer play on such a deal.
Adding him via this deal would cap how many games he can play with the Suns proper, meaning he would likely split his time with the G League Valley Suns. This would ensure a third-string big in Reath does not disrupt the growth of 20-year-old Khaman Maluach.
If the sophomore begins to break out (without putting any additional pressure on him), Reath can be stored in the G League for longer periods. This is also true for Oso Ighodaro, who is likely to start on opening night and who some in the national media believe could be primed for a big season.
The Suns currently have Pat Spencer, C.J. Huntley, and Koby Brea on two-ways, meaning one of them would have to be waived and signed outright by the Valley Suns to return.
Spencer just arrived, while Brea was a second-round draft pick last season, meaning Huntley would be the player to be cut.
Suns building real depth to remain competitive
When you consider that Reath has impressed with the Portland Trail Blazers in the past, and that Spencer was a fan favorite with the Golden State Warriors, having both on two-way deals would show the level of depth the front office has built.
Both would make 15-man rosters elsewhere, while the surprise addition of point guard Kennedy Chandler to a training camp deal shows the continued desire to add talent around the fringes.
A nice problem for the franchise to have as they try to win with a soon-to-be 30-year-old Devin Booker. Reath can hold down the fort until Williams is back and even helps with their spacing issues, but the way in which he is signed to make that happen remains to be seen. That two-way option makes perfect sense.
