The Phoenix Suns made a couple of under-the-radar moves at the trade deadline, bringing in Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony. The headline here? They saved some money and added depth, but only one of those players looks like he’ll actually suit up for the team.
Let’s start with Coffey, who’s expected to get a real shot in the rotation over the coming weeks. He’s not a long-term building block, but he’s a capable wing who can fill minutes right now - and with Grayson Allen sidelined, the Suns need someone to step in. Coffey’s size, defensive versatility, and ability to knock down open looks make him a plug-and-play option for a team that’s still trying to solidify its identity heading into the stretch run.
Cole Anthony, on the other hand, is a different story.
As of the Suns’ matchup with the 76ers, Anthony isn’t even with the team. That’s not speculation - it’s right there on the official injury report: “not with team.”
Combine that with the fact that the Suns gave Coffey a warm welcome on social media but didn’t mention Anthony at all, and the writing seems to be on the wall. This feels like a classic salary-matching move that’s headed for a quick separation.
There’s a decent chance the Suns and Anthony already had an understanding before the trade went through - a mutual agreement that he wouldn’t be sticking around. And honestly, that might be best for both sides. Phoenix already has a crowded backcourt, and Anthony’s style doesn’t exactly mesh with what head coach Jordan Ott is building.
Ott’s guard rotation is built around guys who can defend, shoot, and make smart decisions - and that’s where Jamaree Bouyea comes in. The two-way guard has made the most of his limited opportunities and is now in line to be converted to a full NBA contract. The deadline deals cleared the runway for that to happen, and Bouyea’s emergence might be the most meaningful development for the Suns from this trade window.
Bouyea brings a steady hand, solid defensive instincts, and just enough scoring punch to keep defenses honest. He’s not flashy, but he fits. And in a backcourt that already includes Devin Booker (when healthy), Jalen Green, Jordan Goodwin, and Collin Gillespie, that kind of fit matters.
Speaking of fit - that’s been the issue with Anthony. He’s undeniably talented, with explosive athleticism and a knack for creating off the dribble.
But his game can be unpredictable, sometimes veering into chaotic territory. The Suns already have Dillon Brooks to stir the pot, and there’s only so much room for volatility in a playoff-bound rotation.
Defensively, Anthony gives effort, but he doesn’t bring the same impact as Bouyea or Goodwin. And offensively, his inconsistency - particularly from beyond the arc - makes him a tough sell in a system that values spacing and ball movement. When you compare him to someone like Gillespie, who’s quietly been a revelation with his shooting and composure, it’s clear Anthony just doesn’t fit the Suns’ current blueprint.
So where does that leave him? Likely on the move again.
There are teams out there that could talk themselves into his upside - he’s still young, still athletic, and still has flashes of shot-making that turn heads. But in Phoenix, the writing’s on the wall: this isn’t the place for him.
Meanwhile, Coffey gets his chance, Bouyea likely gets his contract, and the Suns - assuming Booker and Green return soon - will be locked and loaded for a postseason push. As for Cole Anthony, it looks like his time in the desert will be over before it ever really began.