Phoenix Suns Receive: F Doug McDermott, G Devonte’ Graham, F/C Zach Collins, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS)

San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Deandre Ayton 

Of course, Wembanyama is not the only big man who will have been selected first overall in recent years. 

With that said, he’ll be hoping to avoid Deandre Ayton’s route. Sure, he’s had a fair amount of success as the starting center for the Phoenix Suns. He is still widely regarded as having been a poor choice with the first overall pick. 

On the other hand, there are glaring differences between these two. Wembanyama can shoot off the dribble. He’s got a deep layup package.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & San Antonio Spurs Updates

Moreover, he’s got the foot speed to guard outside of the paint, even if he’s likely to be one of the NBA’s most formidable rim protectors. 

By contrast, Ayton is a traditional big. He’s a rim runner/rim protector. Perhaps the Suns should have never selected such a limited player with the first overall pick to begin with. 

Should they really ship him off now?