Phoenix Suns Receive: C Myles Turner, G Buddy Hield

Indiana Pacers receive: C Deandre Ayton

If this scenario were to unfold, this feels like the way it would be most likely to look.

The Phoenix Suns get to instantly fill their vacant center position with this move. Myles Turner is a much different player than Deandre Ayton. He doesn’t have as varied a skill set, but he’s a much better shooter and a marginally better rim protector. He’d give the Suns a new look at least.

Adding Hield to the fold doesn’t hurt a contender like the Suns either. He’s one of the most reliable floor spacers in the NBA. It’s hard to imagine this deal makes Phoenix better. In fact, it’s hard to imagine any deal-making a 64-win squad better. It may not make them appreciably worse.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers get Ayton. He’s the best player involved in this trade. The Suns are effectively letting him go because they don’t want to pay him. Their decision doesn’t need to be justified.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers Could Swap Myles Turner, Deandre Ayton?

Ayton would likely enjoy an expanded role in Indiana (not to mention a max salary). If this trade doesn’t suit either side, there could be another way to Ayton to the Pacers.