Bad Landing Spot: Utah Jazz

At first glance, a Gobert-for-Ayton sign-and-trade makes intuitive sense for the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz.

The Suns get a veteran who can replace much of Deandre Ayton’s production, and even surpass it in some ways. Surely, Gobert remains a vastly better rim protector. His offensive upside is lower, and he’s a less versatile defender, but the main point is that the Suns will stay competitive after this deal.

It’s a good deal for the Suns. It doesn’t feel like an ideal situation for Ayton.

After all, this Utah Jazz team is falling apart at the seams. Donovan Mitchell is rumored to be angling for an exit. Swapping the veteran Gobert for the younger, less polished Ayton doesn’t seem like a great argument to convince him to stay.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Suns’ Deandre Ayton Benched In Game 7 Before Free Agency?

If the Jazz land Ayton, and they’re forced to move Mitchell anyway, Ayton becomes the most important player for Utah. That feels like a miscast role for him. He’s better off landing on a team that already has an offensive focal point, allowing him to settle into a second or third option role.