Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F Doug McDermott, G/F Josh Richardson, F Torrey Craig, 2023 First-Round Pick (SAS)

Phoenix Suns Receive: C Jakob Poeltl, G D’Angelo Russell

San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Deandre Ayton

Here, the Phoenix Suns allow themselves the opportunity to stay competitive by bringing in two impact veterans.

One could argue that bringing in D’Angelo Russell with Chris Paul still performing at peak levels is misguided. We would strongly disagree. Paul is about to enter his age 37 season. Finding a replacement for him that’s closer to Devin Booker’s timeline is just good management.

Poeltl is no throw-in either. He’s not as dynamic an offensive player as Ayton, but he might be better on defense. Significantly, he’s also likely to be $20 million or so cheaper. If the Suns are apprehensive about paying Ayton, he makes for a great budget replacement.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves move on from Russell to pursue an offense more centered around Karl Anthony-Towns and Anthony Edwards. They get some much-needed wing depth and a first-round pick for their troubles. If they’re interested in moving Russell, this is a solid return.

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If they’re not, the Phoenix Suns and Spurs may need to find another team to work out an arrangement that lands Ayton in San Antonio.