Phoenix Suns Receive: G Fred VanVleet, C Khem Birch

Toronto Raptors Receive: C Deandre Ayton

In all likelihood, you saw some variation of this Phoenix Suns deal coming.

If the Toronto Raptors are in the market for a big man, one might be available this summer. He just so happens to have been the number-one pick in the 2018 draft. Rarely does a top draft pick become available so shortly after being selected.

The situation with the Suns is exceptional. Arguably, part of the issue was that the Suns erred in picking Ayton number one in the first place. If they’d chosen Luka Doncic, we’d be talking about an entirely different NBA. Of course, the Suns did not.

Now, the Suns are allegedly questioning whether a traditional big man like Deandre Ayton can be worth a max contract. Could he be to the Toronto Raptors?

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The answer probably hinges on the Raps’ evaluation of Ayton. If they think they could unlock facets of his game, say, as a more versatile defender or dynamic offensive player, this could be a great deal for them. Otherwise, they may seek a different package in return for VanVleet.