There’s been plenty of talk for 18 months about how the Rockets have wanted to get out from under the contract of Ryan Anderson, speaking about the stretch-four more as a contract than a person.
The reality: He is ready to move on from Houston, too. Anderson wants to be on a team where he gets run (he was squeezed out at the four last season with the Rockets) and where he’s wanted. That’s Phoenix, where the Suns have lined up a trade for him, and to make it happen he’s willing to risk nearly $6 million in guaranteed money. From Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
To clear the way for a trade out of Houston, Ryan Anderson agreed to reduce the guarantee on his $21M salary in 2019-20 to $15.6M, league sources told ESPN. For the Suns, the $15.6M represents Brandon Knight’s salary for the 2019-20 season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 31, 2018
The Suns will have to decide by July 10, 2019 on guaranteeing the full amount for the final season of Anderson’s contract, or they can waive him and owe him the $15.6M. That financial concession will likely make trading Anderson an easier proposition for Phoenix, too. https://t.co/0ocnyO6O2U
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 31, 2018
For Ryan Anderson, there isn't a real financial risk adjusting his contract. Things can go well with Suns and they'll fully guarantee his $21M. If not, he enters a free agent market with $15.6M in his pocket, significant cap space and chance to sign a new deal for multiple years.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 31, 2018
Anderson will be the presumptive starter in Phoenix at the four, likely splitting time with Josh Jackson (who showed some promise at Summer League). Anderson will get a chance to prove himself as a guy who fits the modern NBA game on offense, who can get buckets, and who is a better defender than his reputation. Do that, and even if the Suns cut him loose Anderson will land on his feet.
Expect this trade to become official either later today, or early next week after the holiday weekend.
