Suns Sign Duop Reath After Mark Williams Injury
Suns Sign Duop Reath After Mark Williams Injury
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Key Points
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Reath had a significantly larger role as a rookie in 2023-24, averaging 9.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 68 games while starting 20 contests and playing 17.9 minutes per game.
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The 6-foot-9 Reath was an efficient shooter last season despite limited playing time, posting a .446 field-goal percentage, .418 mark from three-point range and .833 rate from the free-throw line.
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Reath went undrafted out of LSU in 2018 and spent time playing professionally in Serbia, Australia, China and Lebanon before securing an NBA opportunity with Portland after appearing for the Suns’ 2022 summer-league team.
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His NBA role declined after Portland added Donovan Clingan with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft and continued relying on Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams at center, later giving opportunities to first-round pick Yang Hansen.
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The signing could force a roster move in Phoenix: with the Suns reaching the 15-player contract limit, John Gambadoro speculated that guard Jamaree Bouyea could be released.
The Phoenix Suns signed center Duop Reath to a one-year veteran-minimum deal to strengthen their frontcourt after Mark Williams' shoulder surgery will sideline him for several months. Yahoo Sports reports that the 6-foot-9 Reath, 30, joins Phoenix as insurance depth while the team navigates the extended absence.
Reath spent three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers and averaged 2.9 points in 8.1 minutes last year across 32 games. He offers shooting range—posting a .418 three-point percentage—but must compete with young centers Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro for minutes.
From Undrafted to NBA Journey
Reath went undrafted out of LSU in 2018 and spent years playing professionally overseas in Serbia, Australia, China and Lebanon before landing an NBA shot. He first appeared in Phoenix's 2022 summer league, then signed with Portland and made his rookie impact count in 2023-24.
In that first season with the Blazers, Reath averaged 9.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 68 games while starting 20 contests with 17.9 minutes per game. Heavy.com notes he was a former teammate of Damian Lillard, giving him NBA pedigree despite his unconventional path to the league.
Sharply Reduced Role in Portland
Reath's playing time dropped significantly after Portland drafted center Donovan Clingan seventh overall in 2024. The team already had Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams at center, plus first-round pick Yang Hansen getting chances, leaving little room for Reath to develop.
Last season he appeared in just 32 games and played 8.1 minutes per night, cutting his production to 2.9 points and 1.2 rebounds. However, his efficiency remained solid: .446 field-goal percentage, .418 from three and .833 from the free-throw line despite minimal opportunities.
Why the Suns Need Him Now
With Mark Williams expected to miss several months recovering from torn labrum surgery, Phoenix needed immediate frontcourt depth. Sports Yahoo reports that Reath provides both interior presence and stretch-shooting versatility the team requires while managing injuries.
The signing forces a roster move—the Suns hit their 15-player contract limit. According to Roundtable.io, guard Jamaree Bouyea could be released to make room, though no official announcement has been made yet about the exact roster adjustment.
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