Phoenix Suns Receive: G Lonnie Walker IV, G/F Josh Richardson, F Doug McDermott, 2022 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2023 First-Round Pick (SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Deandre Ayton
This trade won’t necessarily inspire a chorus of cheers from Phoenix Suns fans. That doesn’t mean it’s not a prudent decision.
Here, they flip Ayton for an expiring contract (Richardson), a smaller deal with a year remaining after next season (McDermott), and a long-term rotation player who’s also hitting Restricted Free Agency (Walker IV). They’re also getting two first-round picks for their services.
In a sense, they’re operating like a rebuilding team. As crazy as it sounds, that might be what they look like sooner than later.
While this team won 64 games in 2021-22, they’re still in a bit of a mind. Paul is nearing retirement, and they don’t seem convinced that Ayton is worth the contract he’s bound to receive.
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The championship window may have closed rapidly. If the front office feels the same, they’re recouping good value for Ayton on this deal.
On the other hand, if they want a trade that’ll have more win-now impact, these two sides may need to find a third team to complete a deal with them.
