Phoenix Suns: A potential trade with the Houston Rockets

Why the teams might not do it

Ryan Anderson doesn’t exactly fit the Phoenix Suns’ timeline. He’s 30 years old right now, so he’s likely not a long-term piece for the franchise.

Of course, Chandler is no spring chicken either, but he’s making roughly $7 million less than Anderson this year. Next year, Chandler is off the books altogether, while Anderson will still need to be paid more than $21 million.

The Suns will technically save a little money overall because Warren’s deal pays him a bit more than $10 million a year for four years. However, considering he’s a solid young player, Warren isn’t viewed as an albatross contract the way Anderson is.

The only way it really makes sense for the Suns is if they value Anderson as a player in some way. Otherwise, they have to ask themselves, “Would eating $42 million over the next two years for a late first round pick be worth it? And if not, why also throw away a solid young asset and an expiring deal?”

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The Rockets may not be sold either. If last year is any indication, Chandler won’t see the floor come playoff time. If Capela was out, the Rockets always went super small with Tucker at center instead of Anderson or Nene.

There’s also the question of how much Warren would actually help. The Rockets’ platonic ideal of a wing is someone who shoots 3s, plays defense, switches every screen, and stays out of the way.

Despite having the perfect body for a 3-and-D wing, Warren has not been good at 3s or D, which sort of defeats the purpose of having him. He’s a mid-range killer, but the Rockets just signed Carmelo Anthony. Morey will have an aneurysm if he has to watch those two jack 18-footers in a close playoff series.

One of the few ways the Rockets could add some contributors for cheap is through the draft, and this deal sees them getting rid of their pick. They will not enjoy that. The Rockets also have reportedly been kicking the tires on trading Anderson and a first for Kent Bazemore, and Bazemore actually is a 3-and-D wing, so that deal would seem to make more sense for them.

All in all, this hypothetical trade could be one that benefits both the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets. Like any move, it has its pros and cons. For both teams though, it may be worth the risk.