The The sun plan to save Jamari Buyea in the regular season, according to John Gambador of Arizona Sports 98.7 (Link to Twitter), who notes that the 27-year-old point guard has played well in the preseason.
Buyea’s minimum-salary contract will remain non-guaranteed until January, even if he makes the regular season roster.
Gambadora expects the Suns to sign 14 players on standard contracts to open the regular season, which would involve the wing Haywood Highsmith could be refused. Gambadora also suggests Duop RitAnnex 10 of the contract can be converted into a bilateral transaction.
Speaking of Rita, the head coach Jordan Ott recently laid out what he’d like to see from the 30-year-old big man, who is still two-way eligible because he only has three years of NBA experience. Ott said Rito’s ability to span the floor gives him a different look at center, but he’s still getting used to the team and vice versa, per Dwayne Rankin of The Arizona Republic (Link to video on Twitter).
“Duop is another piece we didn’t have, but we’re going to change it to his strengths“- said Ott.But at the same time, we will ask him to crash. We will ask him to press the basketball. We’re going to ask him to do some things that we still want to do as a team.”
Here’s more from the Western Conference:
- After the second preseason game in three days, the third year Grizzlies center Zach Edey said he and his repaired ankle have responded well, tweets Michael Wallace of Grind City Media. “I feel really good where my body is right now. It’s about reclaiming your spirit and your state. But moving, jumping and cutting, I feel great” said Eddy, who played just 11 games last season because of an ankle problem.
- Talking to Grant Offset of RG.org, Pelicans security guard Kobe Bufkin said his only goal right now is to “make the team” after signing a non-guaranteed Annex 9 deal before training camp. “I thought it was pretty solid” the former first-round pick said about a few weeks with New Orleans. “I think defensively I made the biggest impact. Just trying to find a way to fit in and be as productive as possible.”
- New Pelicans head coach Jamal Mosley like what he saw from the veteran guard Jordan Poole during training camp and preseason, and the feeling is mutual, he writes Rod Walker of NOLA.com. Poole’s first season in New Orleans was disastrous as he struggled mightily with efficiency (.372/.333/.860 slash line) and missed extended time with a quad injury. Ultimately, he made just 39 appearances in the 2025/26 season, a career low. However, the 27-year-old is relishing the chance for a “fresh start” under Mosley and his staff. “They want me to be me“You’re half done.”Play to do. Bring my championship experience. Score the ball. Give my teammates a chance to succeed. Obviously, defense is a huge face for us this year. Just trying to be a leader, group the guys. A new start with a new coaching staff.”
