Rockets Land Deandre Ayton
Phoenix Suns Receive: G/F Kevin Porter Jr., G/F Jae’Sean Tate, 2025 First-Round Pick (Swap – BKN or HOU), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – BKN or HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: C Deandre Ayton
If there are concerns about Harden’s fit with his former team (besides age-related ones), they may have to do with his fit alongside Alperen Sengun.
Sengun is remarkably talented. On the other hand, he’s not exactly the type of big man Harden has traditionally played with. He may prefer to pair up with a stronger rim runner/rim protector.
Ayton would qualify. He and Harden should run a perfect pick-and-roll. Meanwhile, Sengun could pilot the second unit.
On the other hand, if Harden and Sengun are a poor fit, and the Rockets want to flip a switch next season, they may want to look at trading Sengun.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, James Harden & Houston Rockets Updates
As a sophomore with real star potential, he’d fetch them quite the return as part of a package.
Here’s a trade that has the Rockets cashing in on the Turkish big man.