Why the Phoenix Suns won their trade with the Rockets

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PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 30: Brandon Knight #11 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns are seen during a game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 30, 2016 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Roster clarity

Once it was obvious that Booker would be the future cornerstone to build around, the task became figuring out the players to surround him with. The team would have likely selected Ayton regardless of whether Booker was on the roster or not, but the complimentary players surrounding them becomes vital in unlocking their potential.

Adding Melton and Anderson pairs nicely with previous moves by the team, like trading for Mikal Bridges and signing Trevor Ariza. The Phoenix Suns have been focused with loading up on shooters and defenders, to space the floor for Booker and Ayton while making up for their defensive deficiencies.

With Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that Anderson is expected to start at power forward this season, the 2-5 spot seems to be set with Booker-Ariza-Anderson-Ayton. He also reported the Phoenix Suns interest in trading for a starting-caliber point guard, suggesting the team is truly looking to make a jump this season and fight for the playoffs.

Having Booker, Anderson, and Ayton start does not exactly foreshadow a solid defense, but the bench is loaded with defensive ammunition. Jackson, Bridges, Davon Reed, Shaquille Harrison, Bender, and Melton can all step in at any time, and should not be out of the question to see one of them in the starting lineup when the season opener rolls around (most likely Jackson or Harrison).

By the end of the season, there’s a strong likelihood Anderson will no longer be starting, or even a strong part of the rotation. Acquiring him made many fans unhappy, and the front office will soon realize that the value Anderson adds with his shooting does not mask his deficiencies everywhere else. Ariza making his way to power forward is the most plausible outcome but other options are possible, like Bridges or Bender taking the starting 4 spot. Neither of Bridges or Bender starting at power forward is likely, but both should be on the table if strong development during the season takes place.

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