Phoenix Suns: Winners and losers of the Brandon Knight trade

Loser No. 2: Trevor Ariza or Josh Jackson

This is just some first grade math here. The Phoenix Suns added one starter, and now they need to subtract one. One of Ariza or Jackson won’t be happy.

Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton aren’t moving to the bench. Anderson will be the 4. There’s two spots left, and Ariza and Jackson won’t take both of them.

There’s a universe where they could, and Devin Booker would start at point guard. That would be a very funky lineup, and one that would probably be fun to a lot of fans. Still, the Suns have insisted they’re not planning on having Booker starting at the 1, and they remain committed to finding a starter there, so let’s take that possibility out.

So at the 3, one of Ariza or Jackson will start. Ariza was just signed to a fat one-year deal, and he does fit perfectly next to Booker. He might be slightly more effective as a 4, but as previously mentioned, he’ll get time there anyway.

Jackson is obviously a key member of the Phoenix Suns’ young core, and if they prioritize the future, he’ll be the one to start. Ariza might not be too thrilled if he was promised a starting spot that the Suns don’t deliver though, and no GM wants to get a reputation as a liar.

Perhaps Jackson could perform better off the bench as a sixth man who the offense runs through, though. A bench lineup of Melton, Mikal Bridges, Jackson, Bender and Tyson Chandler would probably still be better than some of the lineups the Suns started last season.

Regardless, both Jackson and Ariza deserve a starting spot, but only one will get one on the Phoenix Suns. Someone will be left out in the cold, but it’s too early to tell who it will be right now.