Phoenix Suns Receive: C Nikola Vucevic, 2023 First-Round Pick (POR via CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: C Deandre Ayton, No. 25 Pick (SAS), No. 38 Pick (SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Coby White, C Dario Saric, 2023 Second-Round Pick (PHX), 2024 Second-Round Pick (PHX)
When the Phoenix Suns selected Deandre Ayton with the first pick in 2018, it’s doubtful that this is what they had in mind. Flipping him for Nikola Vucevic and another first-round pick after his rookie contract could not have been the plan.
It’s worth questioning their decision-making process in taking him in the first place. Rumors suggest that they don’t think it’s wise to offer a traditional big man a max contract.
That’s fair. It also begs a question: why did they select a traditional big man with the first overall pick?
Luka Doncic was on the table, as was Trae Young. Hindsight, of course, is 20/20. Did the Suns have a different view of traditional big men four years ago? Is that a reasonable assumption to make? It’s hard to know. One assumption that’s definitely reasonable is that this wasn’t the plan in Phoenix.
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The San Antonio Spurs would be involved to utilize their cap space to make the trade work. Coby White and a pair of second-round picks would be the value they’d receive.
Could they really accept this return for Ayton?
