This is an intriguing--if curious--move by the Suns. Thomas is a starter-level talent (despite his small size) but the Suns already have two starting guards in Dragic and Bledsoe Moreover, they drafted a likely future starter in Ennis so Phoenix now has four point guards (since Bledsoe plays somewhat out of position at the shooting guard spot). Thomas will probably settle in quickly as the team's sixth man, and he'll be an expensive one (since he inked a four-year, $27 million sign-and-trade deal).

Despite his success as their primary point guard, Thomas wasn't in the Kings' plans as a long-term starter. They recently signed the inconsistent Collison for that job (although it won't be surprising if top draft pick Stauskas eventually fills that role). Oriakhi has some talent but must first make the team after spending time in Europe and the D-League last season. The trade exception will help Sacto bring in another player or more eventually (at $7 million in salary) without having to move salary the other way.

Even if Thomas had remained in Sacramento his fantasy value likely would've dropped off somewhat next season (since the Kings drafted Stauskas and then signed Collison Now in Phoenix, Thomas' fantasy value suffers an even bigger drop; he'll not only be coming off the bench behind Dragic and Bledsoe but Green Ennis and possibly Goodwin should also be in line for fairly regular playing time in the Phoenix backcourt. On the Kings side of this deal, Stauskas, Collison and McLemore all stand to see regular minutes (with McCallum also in the mix). Oriakhi isn't a fantasy factor (even if he gets signed and makes the final roster).