The Phoenix Suns made only one move at the trade deadline, adding Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony in a trade that helped them get under the tax for the first time since 2021-22.
Both new additions are free agents this summer and many expect them to move on. Anthony isn't even currently with the team right now.
Coffey can be perfect short-term cover for Grayson Allen
But 28-year-old Coffey can quietly be the backup to Allen that the Suns are going to need if they want to close out the regular season strong.
He enjoyed six seasons with the L.A. Clippers and even appeared in 20 playoff games, while the label of 3-and-D wing that has been given to him is a fair assessment of his skills.
He's a career 38 percent 3-point shooter, while there is a scrappiness on the defensive end that means even when he gives up size and weight to opponents, he remains in the play.
Got to speak with Amir Coffey today & asked about what he'll bring to the Suns that most may not know — he noted:
— Stephen PridGeon-Garner 🏁 (@StephenPG3) February 7, 2026
• versatility
• effort
• shooting + a middy
Last season (72 GP with LAC):
• 42.1 % on 3.0 c&s 3/game
• 63% on 46 1 dribble 2PFG
• 55.1% on 98 3-6 dribble 2PFG pic.twitter.com/RXjtmcTcpJ
The combination of shooting and underrated defending are exactly what Allen has brought to the roster this season, and in truth is likely why Phoenix decided not to trade him.
The second longest tenured member of the team, Allen has bounced back from a poor campaign last year to be everything head coach Jordan Ott needs from a role player on both ends of the court.
Unfortunately for the former Milwaukee Buck, knee issues have limited him to 35 games (26 starts) to this point, with Royce O'Neale doing what he can to make up for his absence.
With Devin Booker and Jalen Green both also out injured, Coffey has an excellent opportunity to take some of Allen's minutes off the bench and provide the team with a lot of the same skills.
Coffey won't be thrown straight into the starting lineup, but if he adapts quickly and Allen has to sit for several weeks, who knows what can happen here?
This was a smart move from the front office because Coffey is an immediate upgrade on the zero that they were getting from Nigel Hayes-Davis, who went to the Bucks in the trade.
It is highly unlikely Coffey is going to stick around for long, instead it is Jamaree Bouyea who they will likely target, but he has the chance to help a playoff push in a real way.
Do that successfully, and Coffey will put himself in the shop window for another contract elsewhere in the league this offseason. One that hopefully will have him not end up like Tyus Jones.