3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Any time there is a potential difference-making player that can be available via trade, the Oklahoma City Thunder have to be mentioned as a team best-positioned to make a deal. When it is someone that fits the timeline of the organization, such as Deandre Ayton, they need to be considered a legitimate possible landing spot.
At 23-years old, Ayton fits perfectly into the timeline that the Thunder are putting together. Right now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is also 23-years old, is the only building block the team has locked into a long-term deal.
The Thunder are hopeful some of their recent draft picks will also pan out, but none are as close to being foundational pieces as Ayton already is. With a plethora of draft picks at their disposal, Oklahoma City can make an offer as competitive as anyone else in the NBA.
But, what they have to offer may not be what the Phoenix Suns are looking for. Coming off of an NBA Finals appearance and once again looking like one of the best teams in the NBA, the Suns would be looking for players that can help them win now. The Thunder does not have much of that to offer to Phoenix.
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That is as much of a reason as any that the Thunder land at only No. 3 on this list. Oklahoma City would assuredly love to acquire him, but it would be difficult for them to match up on a trade package that would entice the Suns unless they would be open to receiving multiple draft picks as the centerpiece of the deal.
