Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal
In all likelihood, the Suns would need to be in a specific situation to like this deal – good, but not great.
If they’re hovering around .500, they’ll have tougher choices to make. In that event, they may favour a deal that brings in more draft capital. Of course, if they’re steamrolling the league as they did in 2021-22, they probably won’t be looking to make any deal at all.
On the other hand, if they’re simply solid, they could look to switch it up. In that event, this deal could work for them. Most crucially, it brings in a replacement for Ayton.
Nurkic is a similar player, albeit a lesser one – if he were equal, this trade wouldn’t make any sense. Still, he’s a solid pick-and-roll finisher and an acceptable rim protector.
Meanwhile, Payton gives the Suns a dimension they didn’t previously have. Granted, they’ve got plenty of defensive wings. Still, unlike the others on this roster, Payton is more of a defensive playmaker than a lockdown perimeter stopper. The Suns would benefit from adding such a player.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Finally, we can’t overlook the draft capital Phoenix is bringing in here, either. By adding two first-round picks, the Suns give themselves some flexibility to make decisions moving forward. If their 2022-23 season is poor enough, they may have to make some difficult ones.
Can the Blazers afford to part with so much flexibility?
