New-Look Suns Roster Revealed After Shocking Trade-Deadline Deals

The Phoenix Suns emerged from the 2026 NBA trade deadline with a dramatically re-shaped roster and renewed momentum in the Western Conference playoff race. After last-minute deals brought in scoring guard Cole Anthony and rim-protecting center Nick Richards while shipping out depth pieces and future second-rounders, head coach Jordan Ott suddenly has the versatile lineup he envisioned when the season tipped off. Star guard Devin Booker, whose right-ankle sprain sidelined him for nine games, made a successful return in Saturday’s 112-107 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, pouring in 27 points and reminding the league how dangerous Phoenix can be at full strength. Booker’s chemistry with mid-season acquisition Jalen Green—now eased back to his natural shooting-guard spot—instantly boosted the Suns’ pace, spacing and transition attack. NEW-LOOK ROTATION PAYING DIVIDENDS • Cole Anthony’s second-unit spark: In his Valley debut, the fourth-year guard tallied 15 points, 6 assists and only one turnover, stabilizing a bench that ranked 29th in net rating before the deadline. • Nick Richards’ interior presence: The 7-foot-1 center blocked three shots in 18 minutes, giving Phoenix the paint deterrent it lacked whenever starting big Jusuf Nurkic needed rest. • Green’s seamless reintegration: Freed from primary-ball-handler duties, Green attacked closeouts and shot 4-for-7 from deep, forcing defenses to pick their poison against a suddenly three-headed perimeter monster. PROJECTED STARTING FIVE AFTER ALL-STAR BREAK PG: Devin Booker SG: Jalen Green SF: Kevin Durant PF: Keita Bates-Diop C: Jusuf Nurkic Second unit: Cole Anthony, Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, Darius Bazley, Nick Richards. WHY THE MOVES MATTER Phoenix entered trade-deadline week ranked 8th in the West, but analytic models now project a top-four finish if key players stay healthy. The Anthony-Richards additions patched the roster’s two glaring holes—bench shot-creation and rim protection—without sacrificing any first-round picks, preserving future flexibility. NEXT ON THE CALENDAR • Feb 9 vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s lone trip to Footprint Center this season. • Feb 11 at Los Angeles Lakers: First look at L.A.’s own deadline retool featuring Lonzo Ball. • Feb 16-18: All-Star Weekend in San Francisco; Durant and Booker will represent the Suns in the marquee game. WHAT IT MEANS FOR FANS AND FANTASY MANAGERS Expect Booker’s usage to hover near 32 percent, while Durant’s efficiency may spike as defenses can’t overload on him. Anthony is a waiver-wire add in deeper fantasy leagues thanks to his expanded role, and Richards is a streaming option for blocks.^ BOTTOM LINE The Suns didn’t land a headline superstar, but they might have found the missing ingredients to unleash the Booker-Durant era. With improved depth, sharp shooting and a clean bill of health, Phoenix is positioned to scorch the Western Conference down the stretch—and the rest of the NBA just felt the heat.