One NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Clippers acquire Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton this summer.
Grant Hughes of Bleacher proposed that the Clippers trade big man Ivica Zubac and forwards Nic Batum and Robert Covington to the Suns for Ayton.
If Los Angeles makes this trade, it would have a Big 3 of Ayton, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
“For the Clippers, this is a clear consolidation move,” Hughes wrote. “Batum and Covington are fungible on a roster that has two superstar forwards and no shortage of alternative wings and frontcourt pieces. It’s also a bet on Ayton’s upside. We’re not so far removed from him anchoring a defense for a Finals participant and, the following year, a 64-game winner.”
Ayton averaged 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists for the Suns this past season while shooting 58.9% from the field and 76.0% from the free-throw line. He recorded 36 double-doubles and helped Phoenix win 45 games in the regular season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
However, Ayton’s level of play declined in the 2023 playoffs, where the Suns lost to Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals in six games.
Ayton averaged 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in 10 games versus the Los Angeles Clippers and Nuggets. The big man put up 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in the Nuggets series and didn’t register a positive plus-minus rating in any game.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Ayton has career averages of 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds. He’ll make $32.5 million next season. The Nassau native tried to leave the Suns last summer by signing a four-year, $132.9 million offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers in restricted free agency. However, Phoenix matched Indiana’s offer sheet.
The Clippers lost to Ayton and the Suns in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games. It will be fascinating to see if Los Angeles listens to Hughes and acquires Ayton.
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