Phoenix Suns receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, F Larry Nance Jr., 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP) 

New Orleans Pelicans receive: C Deandre Ayton 

It was not supposed to be this way. Ayton was supposed to be a cornerstone of this franchise. 

After all, they selected him first overall. Usually, that conveys some organizational significance. Unfortunately, that hasn’t exactly been the case here. 

What happened? It’s hard to say. Some might argue that the Suns relegated Ayton to pick-and-roll finishing from the moment they acquired Chris Paul.

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

Others would argue that Ayton’s game is limited to that role in the first place. 

From that perspective, the Suns made the wrong pick. Well, we know they did – Luka Doncic was available.

Still, Ayton could go on to justify his first overall selection with a change of scenery. 

Should the Pelicans provide him with one?