Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal 

While the Suns have explicit win-now motivation here, the Wizards are operating slightly differently. 

There’s a world where this trade makes them better. Ayton is a better pick-and-roll finisher than Porzingis. He’s also a better defender in space.

These are two comparable players in terms of impact who are very different in terms of approach. 

On the other hand, if Ayton doesn’t make them better, that’s fine too. The Wizards are 15-21:  they aren’t good enough to exclusively consider the present. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kristaps Porzingis, Washington Wizards & Phoenix Suns Updates

That’s where age comes into play. Ayton is 24, where Porzingis is 27. If this deal doesn’t make Washington better, and they decide to rebuild, it still suits them. 

It simply leaves them with a different type of modern big man.