Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal

There is a specter that hangs over this trade proposal. Some call him the Slim Reaper.

Yes, the Phoenix Suns would be taking themselves out of the Kevin Durant race by completing this deal. Deandre Ayton is one of the most valuable trade chips they can use in order to land the former MVP. That doesn’t automatically mean this deal isn’t worth making.

Perhaps it transpires after Durant has already been dealt elsewhere. Alternatively, maybe the Suns decide that gutting their roster and depleting their draft capital for a 33-year-old is too risky. This deal allows them to keep Mikal Bridges, who would presumably depart along with Ayton in any Durant deal, and their draft capital.

It’s not as splashy as landing Durant. Still, they’re acquiring quality players here. Washington is a combo big who spaces the floor and defends with attentiveness and effort. Meanwhile, Hayward’s playmaking adds a new wrinkle to what’s already been one of the league’s best offenses for a couple of years.

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After making this trade, the Suns may not need Kevin Durant in order to stay in contention for the NBA championship.