Washington Wizards Receive: C Deandre Ayton
Phoenix Suns Receive: C/F Kristaps Porzingis
It doesn’t get any simpler than this does it? A straight one-for-one swap involving Deandre Ayton and Kristaps Porzingis would be the only moving pieces involved in this NBA trade scenario.
Ayton cannot be traded until Jan. 15 due to signing a contract extension. That shouldn’t be an issue for this trade idea considering there is potential for both the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns to need a midseason shakeup.
Porzingis is set to earn $33.8 million during the 2022-23 season, and while that is a high mark for his on-court impact, he is only signed through 2023-24. The Suns would be shaving off two seasons compared to the deal Ayton is starting.
There is an intriguing difference in the skill sets of Ayton and Porzingis that are worth highlighting for the Suns. Porzingis could spread the floor better for Chris Paul, who could use all of the spacing he can manage given he rarely attacks the rim anymore.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Washington Wizards Updates
The Wizards would be able to move into a long-term partnership with Ayton in what would be a welcomed change of scenery on his part. With Bradley Beal still in town, the two could form a more interior-oriented pick-and-roll tandem.
Let’s look closer at the rationale for the Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards.
