Deandre Ayton sign-and-trade ideas are sprouting left and right as the player’s divorce from the Phoenix Suns looks imminent. Ayton will be a restricted free agent, however, which gives the Suns a right to match any offer he gets. With that being said, there have been numerous reports surrounding shared discontent between Ayton and the Suns. The Suns are not likely to let him leave for nothing.
Deandre Ayton Sign-And-Trade Scenarios
Phoenix Gains All-Around Talent
The Phoenix Suns receive Myles Turner and Buddy Hield.
The Indiana Pacers receive Deandre Ayton and Landry Shamet.
Indiana looks to be heading to a rebuild of sorts or at least changing up how their roster looks. Tyrese Haliburton is the new man in town that the team wants to build around. This may mean allowing players such as Turner, Hield, and Malcolm Brogdon to leave. This trade allows them to move Turner and Hield while bringing in a rumored target in Ayton.
Turner keeps the center position strong for the Suns. His defensive game is borderline elite, and barring any health concerns, Turner will bring great rim-protecting for the Suns. Overall the Suns are a strong defensive team, and Turner is one of the top shot blockers in the entire game. Hield is also a strong addition. The Suns are in the middle of a championship window with Chris Paul and should look to bring in as much talent as possible. Hield’s contract is somewhat inflated, but he’s still one of the top three-point shooters in the entire league. His offense off the bench will be incredible.
Haliburton and Ayton will be the Pacers’ new young core. It’s definitely a promising duo to build around and could accelerate the team’s rebuild. Shamet remains a solid piece as well and can contribute quite quickly to the Pacers’ rotation.
A Decent Return
The Phoenix Suns receive Jusuf Nurkic and Josh Hart.
The Portland Trail Blazers receive Deandre Ayton.
Ayton carries a lot of value, but at the same time the value gained back in a sign-and-trade isn’t always the absolute best return. With that being said, this remains a decent return for the Suns and a major move for Portland.
Nurkic is an underrated center and typically performs well. Prior to his injury, Nurkic averaged about 15 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists per game. This will obviously be welcomed by the Suns. In addition, Nurkic is also just 27 years old. He fits into the Suns’ current timeline and perhaps that in the post-Paul era. Hart is an excellent wing player to add. He may not start but will be the Suns’ number one contributor off the bench.
Portland is trying to regain their contender status after their big trade deadline this past season. Damian Lillard is still around, Jerami Grant was added, new talent arrived in the NBA Draft, and the team hopes to re-sign Anfernee Simons. Ayton could help finish off the starting five and will be an excellent offensive addition along with who the Trail Blazers already have.
