Every NBA team has a pecking order. They’ve got their top players, and they’ve got their role players. In some cases, a player lands somewhere in between those two extremes,
Sometimes, that player grows unhappy. If a player feels that he deserves a higher place in the pecking order, it can pose a problem for his team. Whether that player is right or not, he’s likely to be unhappy in the locker room. That can lead to team-wide discord. Any NBA team wants their group to be as harmonious as possible.
Will the Phoenix Suns be in harmony next year? It’s hard to say. We’ve heard rumors in the past that Deandre Ayton would like a higher spot on the pecking order. With the Suns acquiring Bradley Beal, he’s likely to see fewer touches next year. Could the Suns send him to the Toronto Raptors to avoid problems?
The Trade Proposal
Phoenix Suns Receive: C Jakob Poeltl, F/C Chris Boucher, F Otto Porter Jr.
Toronto Raptors Receive: C Deandre Ayton
In fact, Ayton’s time in Phoenix has been generally strange. It hasn’t been easy to gauge what he means to the organization. Similarly, it hasn’t been easy to gauge what the organization means to him.
This is a recent number-one pick. With that said, it isn’t controversial to say that the Suns made the wrong decision. Luka Doncic was available, and so was Trae Young. Even Jaren Jackson Jr. has had a better career to date. Still, Ayton is a solid player. Do the Suns value him accordingly?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Toronto Raptors Updates
At times, he hasn’t appeared to feel valued. It’s been speculated that Ayton’s effort in the postseason has waned. He’s been benched in favor of less talented players like Jock Landale. Could the Suns finally move him this year?
Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal
Well, the Suns can’t make this deal right away. The Raptors extended Poeltl this summer. They wouldn’t be able to trade him until closer to the trade deadline. Perhaps that’s ideal for Phoenix anyway.
After all, if they’re among the best teams in the NBA leading up to the deadline, they may prefer to keep Ayton – even if he’s unhappy. If the Suns are on track to make a serious title run, they’ll live with some locker room trouble. On the other hand, if they’re falling short of expectations, they’ll have to make the most significant changes that they can.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Toronto Raptors Updates
That’s probably going to mean moving Ayton. The Suns don’t have much else that they can move. With that in mind, Poeltl is a better defensive big who’s unlikely to protest a smaller offensive role. Boucher and Porter Jr. could be valuable rotation players as well. Should the Raptors give up so much for Ayton?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
For the Raptors, this will boil down to two questions. Firstly, what do they see in Ayton? Secondly, where do they see themselves? Again – Poeltl is a better defender than Ayton. He’s only a couple of years older. Why would they flip him for Ayton?
Well, it’s worth noting that Ayton is a more well-rounded offensive player. His deft touch around the basket makes him a stronger inside scorer. Ayton would give this team a new offensive dynamic. That could make this deal worth their time – if they’re rebuilding, that is.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Toronto Raptors Updates
In other words, this deal could be worth their time if they move Pascal Siakam this summer. Suddenly, the two-year age gap between Ayton and Poeltl becomes a little more significant. If the Raptors are moving towards youth, they might want to consider giving Ayton a place in their pecking order.
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