The Suns plan to retain Jamaree Bouyea into the regular season, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 (Twitter link), who notes that the 27-year-old point guard has played well in the preseason.

Bouyea’s minimum-salary contract will remain non-guaranteed until January even if he makes the regular season roster.

Gambadoro expects the Suns plan to carry 14 players on standard contracts to open the regular season, which implies wing Haywood Highsmith could be waived. Gambadoro also suggests Duop Reath’s Exhibit 10 contract might be converted to a two-way deal.

Speaking of Reath, head coach Jordan Ott recently laid out what he’d like to see from the 30-year-old big man, who’s still two-way eligible because he only has three years of NBA experience. Ott said Reath’s floor-spacing ability brings a different look at center, but he’s still getting used to the team and vice versa, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic (Twitter video link).

“Duop is a different piece we didn’t have, but we’re going to change it to his strengths,” Ott said. “But at the same time, we’re going to ask him to crash. We’re going to ask him to pressure the basketball. We’re going to ask him to do some of the things that we still want to do as a team.”

Here’s more from around the Western Conference:

• After his second preseason game in three days, third-year Grizzlies center Zach Edey said he and his surgically-repaired ankle responded well, tweets Michael Wallace of Grind City Media. “I feel really good where my body is right now. It’s about getting my wind and my conditioning back. But moving around, jumping and cutting, I feel great,” said Edey, who was limited to just 11 appearances last season due to ankle issues. 
• Speaking to Grant Afseth of RG.org, Pelicans guard Kobe Bufkin said his sole focus right now is to “make the team” after signing a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 deal ahead of training camp. “Thought it’s been pretty solid,” the former first-round pick said of his few weeks with New Orleans. “I think defensively I probably made the most impact. Just trying to find a way to fit in and be as productive as possible.”
• New Pelicans head coach Jamahl Mosley likes what he’s seen from veteran guard Jordan Poole during training camp and the preseason, and the feeling is mutual, writes Rod Walker of NOLA.com. Poole’s first season in New Orleans was disastrous, as he struggled mightily with efficiency (.372/.333/.860 shooting line) and missed extended time due to a quad injury. He ultimately only made 39 appearances in 2025/26, which marked a career low. Still, the 27-year-old is embracing the chance at a “fresh start” under Mosley and his staff. “They want me to be me,” Poole said. “Play make. Bring my championship-level experience. Score the ball. Put my teammates in position to be successful. Obviously, defense is a huge identity for us this year. Just trying to be a leader, bring guys together. A fresh start with a new coaching staff.”