Some NBA fans hate super teams. Other fans love them. One thing is certain, if you throw three superstar players on the same roster, you’re going to get people talking. For example, everyone’s talking about the Phoenix Suns this summer.
This team already had Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. This summer, they added Bradley Beal to the mix. Now, the Suns have, on paper, arguably the most talent in the NBA. Fans will be waiting all summer to see how these pieces gel when the season gets underway.
Will the Suns make any more moves? It’s hard to say. This team is bereft of assets – unless they’re willing to move Deandre Ayton, that is. We’ll consider that possibility, and we’ll look at some more incremental moves as well. Here are three deals that the Suns need to consider.
Trade No. 1 – Suns Acquire Jarred Vanderbilt From Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Josh Okogie, G/F Damion Lee
Phoenix Suns Receive: F/C Jarred Vanderbilt
Short of trading Ayton, the Suns will have to target underpaid players if they’re going to make a move this season. Moreover, they’re going to have to wait. Most of this roster was recently signed. For example, this trade wouldn’t be legal until closer to the trade deadline.
Would it be beneficial for both sides? We think so. This one is about floor spacing. The Lakers are built around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They need as much spacing as possible. Here, they’re flipping a non-shooter for two players who, while not snipers, at least space the floor.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Phoenix Suns, Jarred Vanderbilt, Deandre Ayton & New York Knicks Updates
Meanwhile, the Suns are built around superstar shooters. They can afford another non-shooter on their roster. Vanderbilt is the best defender and passer in this trade – he narrowly edges Okogie in terms of overall impact. In all likelihood, he’s the best player the Suns could acquire – unless, again, they’re willing to trade Ayton.
Trade No. 2 – Suns Send Deandre Ayton To San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Deandre Ayton
Phoenix Suns Receive: F Doug McDermott, G Devonte’ Graham, G/F Reggie Bullock
Unfortunately for Phoenix, Ayton won’t have the trade value that they’d like for a recent number-one pick. That owes to a combination of factors. The Suns haven’t featured Ayton as a primary offensive option. For that reason, it’s unclear whether or not Ayton can function as a primary offensive option.
With that said, he’ll still have value. Ayton is a solid defensive big man who has a nice touch on the interior on the offensive end. He may be perfect for the Spurs. They’re allegedly looking for a traditional big man to pair with Victor Wembanyama. If they’re looking for a bruiser to pair with their slight-framed prospect, Ayton is among the strongest players in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Phoenix Suns, Jarred Vanderbilt, Deandre Ayton & New York Knicks Updates
Meanwhile, the Suns are landing three quality reserves here. Flipping Ayton for depth makes sense, but the Suns may not love this deal. In fairness, it leaves them without a starting-caliber big man. Could they look to land one in exchange for him elsewhere?
Trade No. 3 – Suns Send Deandre Ayton To New York Knicks
New York Knicks Receive: C Deandre Ayton
Phoenix Suns Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, C Mitchell Robinson
This one comes down to a simple question, what do the Suns need from their 5? Should they even care if their starting big man has a post move to his name? With Durant, Booker, and Beal on the roster, shouldn’t they prioritize defense above all else?
If so, they should like this move. Ayton is a solid defensive big – Robinson is an elite one. He’ll provide top-tier rim protection that makes life easier on the Suns’ cast of offensive stars. Meanwhile, Fournier provides them with some much-needed offense off the bench.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Phoenix Suns, Jarred Vanderbilt, Deandre Ayton & New York Knicks Updates
Should the Knicks prioritize Ayton’s superior offense? It’s a tough call. It’s fair to say that this team’s offense was stymied in any situation where Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson were struggling last season. Ayton’s ability to score on the interior would give them a new wrinkle – even if it doesn’t quite make them a super team.
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