ROCKETS REMOVE RYAN ANDERSON IN FOUR-PLAYER SWAP
The Phoenix Suns acquired forward/center Ryan Anderson and guard De'Anthony Melton from the Houston Rockets for forward Marquese Chriss and guard Brandon Knight.
What does it give the Phoenix Suns
For Phoenix, this deal provides them with a big man who can shoot three-pointers in Anderson (plus an underrated point guard with sleeper potential in Melton). Knight's departure likely means Melton will compete with fellow 2018 second-round draft pick Elie Okobo for the starting job (barring more moves by the Suns at the point guard position). Anderson may start or serve a sixth-man role in Phoenix.
What does it give the Houston Rockets
The Rockets were desperate to unload Anderson's hefty contract, so much so that they decided to inherit Knight's deal ($30.2 million through 2019-20) in the process. Chriss still has some untapped upside but could get buried in the rotation for contending Houston. Knight will also find it difficult to earn regular playing time on the Rockets, especially playing behind James Harden and Chris Paul.
Fantasy impact
This trade helps Melton the most, potentially, and it might hurt Okobo (depending on the outcome of their expected camp battle in the upcoming training camp). Anderson's value goes up a bit too, since he was not expected to play much at all in Houston. Knight's value takes a tumble with the Rockets, while Chriss remains an untapped talent who might be worth stashing in deep, keeper fantasy leagues.
