Phoenix Suns Receive: F/C Chris Boucher, G Lonnie Walker IV, F Doug McDermott, 2024 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – SAS)
Toronto Raptors Receive: C Deandre Ayton, 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 9 – SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F Pascal Siakam
Here, the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors take advantage of what appears to be a volatile situation with the Phoenix Suns.
It’s not often that a number one overall pick hits the open market four years after being selected. That appears to be the case with Ayton. If the discord between the player and front office is as bad as some suggest, the Suns will do whatever is necessary to sign and trade him.
That likely means taking pennies on the dollar. Ayton is a distressed asset. Here, they get a little depth, an unprotected first-round pick, and a protected one. It’s better than nothing.
Meanwhile, the Raptors finally get their center of the future in Ayton. Alongside Barnes, the Raptors would be securing a duo that would have the potential to lead them to serious contention in a few years.
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The ninth overall pick in the draft doesn’t hurt either. On the other hand, the Raptors, like the Suns, may have reservations about committing big money to a non-shooting big like Ayton. In that case, this next deal should be more appealing to them.
