Despite earlier reports that the Indiana Pacers had been closing in on a potential deal with former Utah Jazz point guard Ricky Rubio, the Phoenix Suns have signed the Spaniard to a three-year, $51 million deal, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Rubio had long been targeted by the Pacers, but Indiana pulled a heist in signing restricted free agent Malcolm Brogdon to a four-year, $85 million deal. Now, the Suns will be glad to finally have a plamaker alongside Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton.

In Rubio, Phoenix has a traditional point guard that can provide distribution to shooters like Johnson and Booker while also working the pick-and-roll with Ayton.

Although he averaged just over six assists per game last year, Rubio was forced to be somewhat of a combo guard and an off-ball player because of Donovan Mitchell's presence in the backcourt.

In his final year with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rubio averaged 9.1 assists per game — which may be a more accurate reflection of his court vision and ability to run the half-court offense.

With Booker and Ayton leading the way, the Suns have the kind of young talent that should be capable of stringing together a decent season. However, they must improve their team defense, and Rubio himself — who is probably a better defender than he is given credit for — could make a difference in inspiring more effort form the rest of the Phoenix roster.