One NBA writer is proposing that the New York Knicks acquire center Deandre Ayton from the Phoenix Suns this summer.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed that the Knicks send big man Mitchell Robinson, power forward Obi Toppin, shooting guard Quentin Grimes and small forward Evan Fournier to the Suns for Ayton and shooting guard Landry Shamet.
“Center isn’t a glaring need for the Knicks, but they can only squeeze so much out of a rim-runner like Mitchell Robinson,” Buckley wrote. “Ayton has a deeper bag on offense, and his soft mid-range touch would open wider attack lanes for Randle, Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett. Ayton is also a solid interior defender and an active rebounder. This swap could even help the Knicks’ shooting woes, as Landry Shamet might soak up minutes Evan Fournier couldn’t find.
“As for Phoenix, the Suns are too top-heavy, so turning Ayton and Shamet into four players (three if they view Fournier only as salary filler) could give them the depth they need. Robinson’s low-maintenance game could be a more natural fit in Phoenix, as the Suns already get ample creation out of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Quentin Grimes and Obi Toppin could fill some holes at the forward spots, and Fournier could crack the rotation if Phoenix wants his spot-up stroke.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & New York Knicks Updates
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Ayton would be excited about a fresh start with another franchise. The Suns, who lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals in six games, are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for Ayton this summer.
“Sources told ESPN that Ayton’s teammates have shared their coach’s frustration with what they perceive to be inconsistent effort and aggression from the 7-footer,” MacMahon reported. “Ayton would be excited about a fresh start with another franchise, sources told ESPN. The Suns are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for him this summer, league sources said.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & New York Knicks Updates
Ayton averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds during the 2022-23 regular season. The former No. 1 overall pick shot 58.9% from the field while recording 36 double-doubles.
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