Charlotte Hornets receive: Deandre Ayton
Phoenix Suns receive: Julius Randle, 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 13 – CHA), 2024 First-Round Pick (Swap – CHA)
New York Knicks receive: Gordon Hayward
Here’s a trade where each team involved has an entirely different incentive.
The Knicks are purely thinking about cap space. They’re swapping a four-year deal for a two-year pact. That’s basically the extent of their interest here. Realistically, they’ll see if Hayward can regain some of his prior star player form, but this is a good deal for them either way.
The Suns are effectively eating Randle’s contract for the sake of acquiring draft capital. It’s better than losing Ayton for nothing.
Plus, if Randle regains his 2020-21 form, it could allow the Suns to say competitive next season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Sign & Trade Deals To Send Phoenix Suns Star Deandre Ayton To New York Knicks
Finally, if anyone is going to be sending NBA Analysis emails of gratitude following this trade proposal, its Hornets fans. This team needs a big man desperately. Rest assured they’ll be targeting him this summer.
If they can get him at this price, don’t expect them to hesitate.
