The Phoenix Suns have claimed former Los Angeles Lakers big man Drew Timme off waivers, adding him on a two-way contract just before the NBA season begins. Phoenix made the move after waiving two-way guard Koby Brea and big man CJ Huntley to create the necessary roster space. The team is coming off a 116-119 preseason loss to the Utah Jazz on October 16.
Drew Timme, 26, was a college basketball star at Gonzaga but went undrafted in 2023. He made his NBA debut with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2024-25 season, appearing in nine games. Timme then played 27 games for the Los Angeles Lakers last year. Across his first two NBA seasons, he has averaged 5.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He spent this preseason in training camp with the Minnesota Timberwolves before being waived and picked up by Phoenix.
Head coach Jordan Ott, entering his second season, needed to finalize his 15-man roster by the league deadline. Waiving Brea and Huntley opened a spot for a player who could provide frontcourt depth. A two-way contract gives the Suns flexibility. Timme can play for the NBA team or develop with its G League affiliate, the Valley Suns. His experience and scoring touch in the paint offer a different look behind the Suns' primary big men.
This move follows a preseason where the Suns posted a 2-3 record. Their other results included a 123-103 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on October 14 and a 102-98 win over those same Spurs on October 10. They also fell to the Chicago Bulls 124-117 on October 7 and the Detroit Pistons 109-107 on October 5.
The immediate focus shifts to the regular season opener. Phoenix travels to face the Portland Trail Blazers on October 21. Integrating Timme into the system behind stars like Devin Booker will be a process. His two-way status means his playing time could vary based on team needs and matchups. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
The Suns are looking to improve after a first-round playoff sweep last season. Adding a player with Timme's offensive skill set is a low-risk attempt to bolster the bench. How much he contributes at the NBA level this season is not yet clear, but he provides another option for Coach Ott as the long campaign gets underway.
