Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal 

Firstly, the Suns do the deal because Ayton is unhappy. Getting this locker room back in order ought to be a priority for the organization. 

On the other hand, they shouldn’t move Ayton for that reason alone. Any deal they make ought to make sense. This one does, in terms of both their present and their future. 

In the present, Valanciunas will give this offense an interesting new dynamic. Unlike Ayton, he spaces the floor. He’s not as strong of an interior defender or pick-and-roll finisher, but there will be advantages to bringing him in as their new starting big man.

Moreover, the Suns could use a guard like Graham. In all likelihood, he’ll be the lead guard off the bench for this group – he’s an upgrade over Cameron Payne. 

Of course, the most valuable asset the Suns are getting here, in all likelihood, is the Lakers’ first-round pick.

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

Rest assured, the Lakers will do everything they can to make sure it doesn’t convey in the lottery. At the same time, they did the same last year, and yet, Dyson Daniels is a Pelican. 

Can the Pelicans afford to part with another potential lottery pick?