Trade Ideas For Deandre Ayton

The shocking exit of the Phoenix Suna has many believing that there will

be some changes to the roster. Phoenix had the opportunity to max Ayton last summer but choose not to. I believe they will move on from Ayton to save money and shake up the roster

Trade #1

The Suns get a new big

Utah Jazz: Deandre Ayton

Phoenix Suns: Rudy Gobert

I would love to see this happen but I do not think the Suns would want to be in the luxury tax, but nonetheless this trade would make sense.

Phoenix gets a premier defensive big and would help elevate this Suns team to new levels defensively without having to rely to heavily on him offensively. You would have to make some other moves to fill some of the offense that Ayton would leave.

For Utah they might need a pick in this situation but it give them a real offensive threat down low and someone who could pair nicely with Donovan Mitchell. The down side would be that GoBert covered up so many of the Jazz defensive faults that they will also have to make some moves to revamp their defense.

Trade #2

Charlotte finally gets their big man

Charlotte Hornets: Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder and Torrey Craig

Phoenix Suns: Kelly Oubre Jr, PJ Washington, Mason Plumlee and 2025 first round pick top 10 protected

This would be an option if the Suns want to get more depth and scoring options. I think Phoenix will want to do a center by committee and not spend as much.

A rotation of Plumlee, McGee and Biyombo is something that the Suns will be able to flourish with and address other positions this off-season. Washington and Oubre will help provided other scoring options and give this team additional depth.

Charlotte will finally get the big they have been desperately looking for. Ayton will give LaMelo an option down low, as well as a new pick and roll partner. The Hornets will try and make a serious playoff run this season and the additions of veterans Crowder and Craig will help with the culture.

Trade #3

Portland begins to build new core

Portland Trail Blazers: Deandre Ayton

Phoenix Suns: Jusuf Nurkic, Justise Winslow and 2022 second round pick #36

The Suns will be able to keep a competitive core while adding some additional depth at a cheaper cost than keeping Ayton. The pick is high enough in the second round that Phoenix will have an asset to work with during the draft.

The big prize for the Suns will be Nurkic who is a better offensive player than Ayton at this point in his career. He is just not as reliable as Ayton due to his injury history.

Portland begins the new Dame era by giving him a young big that can help in the pick and roll game. Ayton would be a legit number 2 and might be more engaged on the offensive end with more touches. This might be the ideal spot for Ayton.