SUNS SNAG HOLMES FROM SIXERS
The Phoenix Suns acquired power forward / center Richaun Holmes from the Philadelphia 76ers for cash considerations.
What does it give the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is a mostly very young team that's stockpiling talent, and Holmes is indeed a talented young player. He's also now probably the most experienced of the young big men on the Suns roster, so it won't be surprising if he sees several starts in the coming season. Holmes can also start at power forward as well as center, and might conceivably push for the starting gig at the 4-spot. If he somehow doesn't pan out, his highly affordable contract comes off the books next summer. Overall, this is a bit of a steal for Phoenix.
What does it give the Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers have made several fairly expensive moves this summer, and needed to choose between Holmes and fellow young big man prospect Jonah Bolden. They chose Bolden, and use the cash they get from Phoenix (plus the money saved from Holmes' contract) to ink Bolden to a 4-year, $7 million deal. This is a risky move by Philly, considering Holmes has shown strong progress and versatility at the NBA level, while Bolden has so far struggled to show consistency at the game's higher levels.
Fantasy impact
Holmes should see a definite boost in minutes and production in the coming NBA season; the only question is how much. He will compete for minutes in the frontcourt with Trevor Ariza, T.J. Warren, Tyson Chandler, DeAndre Ayton, Marquese Chriss, Dragan Bender, and Josh Jackson. There is some opportunity here for Holmes, since he's much more of a true post player than several of those mentioned. As for Bolden, it'll be surprising if he finds a way to crack Philadelphia's deep rotation anytime soon. Expect him to see significant time in the G-League in Year 1.
