Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Deandre Ayton, F Torrey Craig
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, F/C P.J. Washington, 2022 First-Round Pick (13th Pick – CHA)
Phoenix Suns Receive: C Myles Turner, G Malcolm Brogdon
This deal, like much of what’s being proposed in this piece, boils down to a simple evaluation. Who would you rather have: Deandre Ayton or Myles Turner?
A case can be made for either. It’s fair to say that Ayton is a more physically imposing presence. He’s also shown a greater capacity to switch. Finally, he probably has a more varied offensive game as well.
On the other hand, Turner does two things better: shoot threes, and protect the rim. It just so happens that those two skills are more vital than any of Ayton’s.
If you want the more well-rounded player, you take Ayton. If you want the specialist, you take Turner. Therefore, if the Hornets prefer the latter route, they won’t be interested in this deal. They’d rather trade for Turner directly with the Pacers.
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If that’s the case, the Suns would have to beat the Hornets to the punch. This third deal may help them do exactly that.
