Phoenix Suns Receive: G John Wall, 2023 First-Round Pick (MIL), 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2026 First-Round Pick (BKN)
Houston Rockets Receive: C Deandre Ayton
Of all the deals listed here, this one projects as the least likely.
The Houston Rockets would realistically be jumping the gun here. Parting with three first-round picks is a high-risk move at this stage in their rebuild. They’re also probably interested in seeing what Alperen Sengun can do with a more sizeable role in 2022-23. This trade effectively tanks that idea.
Meanwhile, trading a key starter in the midst of contention for cap relief and draft capital is an odd move for the Phonix Suns. Why would either the Rockets or Suns make this trade?
Well, the Rockets have a solid surplus of draft capital. They’re consolidating some of it here to acquire a star player who still fits their rebuilding timeline. Arguably, a long-term rebuilding process would be wiser, but there is something to be said for simply acquiring top-end talent.
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As for the Suns, they’d have to feel that Ayton wasn’t viable financially. In a wing-dominant league, they could decide that carving out cap room for Bridges and Johnson is a higher priority than retaining Ayton. With Wall’s contract expiring after next season, this deal is consistent with that logic.
