Phoenix Suns Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, G Devonte’ Graham, 2023 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP) 

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Deandre Ayton 

On the other hand, being young doesn’t have to mean that you’re inexperienced. Some people are wise beyond their years. 

Take Deandre Ayton. He’s 24, and about to enter the first season of his max rookie extension. Yet, he’s already been a starter on an NBA Finalist. He’s young, but he’s not inexperienced. 

With that experience in mind, the notion that the Suns would trade Ayton may seem odd to some. After all, this team is only two seasons away from an NBA Finals appearance. Why would they break up the band? 

Well, it’s been a tumultuous summer for the Suns. Team owner Robert Sarver has been surrounded by controversy.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, New Orleans Pelicans & Phoenix Suns Updates

Jae Crowder has requested a trade. In the midst of that chaos, it didn’t take a psychiatrist to read Deandre Ayton’s body language on media day: all is not all between him and the organization. 

If the Suns are forced to cut ties with their recent number-one pick, is this the right return for him?