Every NBA team is in its own place. Some know that they’ve got a championship window at this very moment. Others know that they’re years away from title contention. At the moment, perhaps no two teams are further apart than the Phoenix Suns and the Washington Wizards.
These two squads solidified their positions with a deal this summer already. The Wizards sent Bradley Beal to the Suns. With that move, it became official: the Suns are a super team. Meanwhile, the Wizards are evidently on the ground floor of a rebuild.
With that in mind, the Wizards could make some additional moves throughout this season. They’ve still got some quality players that could be of interest to contending teams. Kyle Kuzma is the most prominent among them. Could the Wizards send him to the Suns in exchange for Deandre Ayton?
The Trade Proposal
Phoenix Suns Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, C Daniel Gafford
Washington Wizards Receive: C Deandre Ayton, G/F Damion Lee
No matter where your NBA team is, recognizing an opportunity is vital. You’ve got to know when it’s time to strike. That applies whether you’re building a superteam, or rebuilding.
Look at the Suns. This was already a solid team. With a core of Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Chris Paul, and Ayton, the Suns were solid. They were deep. With that said, they probably weren’t winning an NBA title. So, the Suns capitalized on the opportunity to trade for Kevin Durant.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Washington Wizards Updates
By contrast, the Wizards probably took too long to capitalize on the opportunity to trade Beal. As a result, they got a somewhat weak return for him. All told, this is a cautionary tale on holding onto quality players for too long. Should the Wizards act more quickly in trading Kuzma?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
We think so. Realistically, there’s no question as to whether the Wizards should trade Kuzma this season. They need to focus on the future, and Kuzma is a win-now veteran. Whether they should trade for Ayton is a different story.
They may not want to spare Gafford. That would be fair. He’s likely a better defender than Ayton. Meanwhile, Gafford is only 24. If the Wizards see him as the long-term solution at the 5, that would be understandable. They’ll pass on this deal.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Washington Wizards Updates
On the other hand, Ayton is a much more polished offensive player. His ability to score on the interior separates him from a player like Gafford. If the Wizards see untapped potential in the 25-year-old Ayton, they could see this as a deal worth making. Is it worth making for the Suns?
Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal
Absolutely. If Gafford is even a marginally better defender than Ayton, this is a no-brainer. With Durant, Booker, and Beal on the roster, they don’t need much more than defense at the 5 spot. Gafford would be perfect for that low-usage role.
Of course, they’re not flipping Ayton for Gafford. The Suns do this deal for Kyle Kuzma. They may already have the most offensive firepower in the NBA. Why not add some more? Kuzma is a well-rounded player who can create his own shot, defend and pass.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Washington Wizards Updates
How would the Suns use him? He may be best optimized on this roster as a super sixth man. Kuzma would be among the best reserves in the NBA. On the other hand, they could simply start him and overwhelm opponents with offence from the opening gate. After all, the Suns are in the perfect place to do exactly that.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
