One NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Clippers acquire Deandre Ayton from the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster trade.
Lee Tran of Fadeaway World proposed that the Clippers trade Ivica Zubac, Robert Covington, Amir Coffey and Jason Preston to the Suns for Ayton.
“This deal could potentially be a good proposition for everyone involved,” Tran wrote. “From the Clippers’ perspective, they would be getting a young center with some potential upside, while offloading some players on shorter-term contracts. If Ayton can replicate his performance from the 2022-23 season next year, then this deal is already a win for the Clippers. Anything else on top of that is a bonus.
“For the Suns, this would be an opportunity to fill out their roster with veterans who are accepting of their roles, as well as getting some salary relief at the end of the season. Though Ayton was a key part of the team making the NBA Finals in the 2021 season, he doesn’t necessarily fit with this iteration of the team. Perhaps it is best for the team to let him move on, while also getting a solid return for him.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Clippers & Phoenix Suns Updates
Ayton averaged 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists last 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.
However, Ayton’s level of play dropped in the 2023 NBA playoffs. The center averaged 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in 10 games versus the Clippers and Denver Nuggets. Ayton 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.
The Suns lost to the Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals in six games. Ayton didn’t play in Game 6 due to a rib contusion he suffered in Game 5.
Ayton didn’t have a good relationship with former Suns head coach Monty Williams. Phoenix’s front office believes new head coach Frank Vogel will be able to connect with Ayton better than Williams did and help the Arizona product be more engaged on both ends of the floor on a consistent basis.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Clippers & Phoenix Suns Updates
Ayton tried to leave the Suns last offseason 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.
It will be fascinating to see if Ayton lasts the entire 2023-24 NBA season in Phoenix. The Suns tried to trade Ayton this summer before deciding to move Chris Paul to the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal.
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