Phoenix Suns Receive: F/C Julius Randle, 2023 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2025 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: C Deandre Ayton
With this straightforward swap, the Phoenix Suns bring in some star-caliber talent and quality draft capital in exchange for their potentially disgruntled big man.
Of course, Julius Randle’s star-caliber status is up for debate. After winning Most Improved Player and earning All-NBA honors in 2020-21, he regressed mightily last season.
Still, acquiring him allows the Suns to attempt to pivot into another competitive season. They can opt to rebuild if it doesn’t work.
In that event, they’ll be thankful to have landed two first-round picks. The New York Knicks’ 2023 selection is particularly valuable. If they fail to seamlessly incorporate Ayton and convey a lottery selection, the Suns are suddenly in the Victor Wembenyama sweepstakes without tanking.
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Even if things work out for Ayton in New York, first-round picks are always valuable. In fact, the Knicks may hesitate to part with two in exchange for Ayton.
For that matter, the Phoenix Suns may not be interested in taking on Randle’s contract. If either of those possibilities holds true, here’s another deal that sends Ayton to the Knicks.