Typically, the best players on an NBA team will determine the team’s success. This is a star’s league. At the same time, depth counts too. Having a deep bench full of quality players provides insurance against injuries, and gives a team more versatility.
The Phoenix Suns could learn that lesson the hard say this season. Yes, the Suns have plenty of star power. With Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on this roster, the Suns will contend. Could their poor depth cost them in the end? Alternatively, could they make a move to increase their depth?
Potentially. It’s hard to imagine how they’ll do so. The Suns have limited remaining assets – unless they’re willing to trade Deandre Ayton, that is. In that event, the Suns could flip Ayton for a handful of good rotation players. Could they send him to the Los Angeles Clippers?
The Trade Proposal
Phoenix Suns Receive: C Ivica Zubac, F Robert Covington, G/F Amir Coffey, 2029 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: C Deandre Ayton
With that said, a team can have too much depth, too. That may be confusing to some. How could a team have too many quality players? Well, sometimes, too much depth can force a team to keep a good player glued to the bench.
Look at the Clippers in 2022-23. Robert Covington has long been regarded as a high-end 3-and-D wing. He’s been mostly regarded as a starting-caliber player, if not a key reserve. Last season, he fell out of the Clippers’ rotation altogether. With so many quality 3-and-D wings on the roster, the Clippers simply didn’t have room for Covington. This team had too much depth.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
This is not a major problem – it’s a problem for Covington more than anything. Still, the Clippers don’t need to be wasting roster spots on players they aren’t using. This team may be well advised to consolidate some of the contracts on their roster. Does this deal help them do that effectively?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
It depends on how you feel about Ayton. Some would suggest that he’s overpaid. That may be true. Ayton is a limited player. This is a traditional big man. Ayton doesn’t shoot, and while he’s not the least mobile defensive big man in the league, he’s not the most switchable either.
With that said, neither is Zubac. Meanwhile, Ayton is a considerably more well-rounded offensive player. Ayton has a soft touch around the rim that allows him to score efficiently inside. On the defensive end, he’s a stout rim protector and impactful rebounder. Ayton is a physical specimen who can dominate the game when he’s locked in.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Meanwhile, what’s the loss for the Clippers here? They aren’t likely to play Covington this year, either. Ayton is an upgrade over Zubac. A lottery protected first is a small price to pay for them to upgrade at the 5. Should it be enough for the Suns to part with Ayton?
Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal
The Suns’ experience with Ayton has been a winding road. They burned the first overall pick on him in the Luka Doncic draft. It was a critical error. Somehow, it hasn’t seemed to matter. The Suns have assembled a superteam anyway.
Er go, they shouldn’t fall victim to the sunk cost fallacy. Sure, this is a weak return for a former number-one pick. That’s fine. It’s a fair return to Ayton, and that’s all that should matter to Phoenix. This deal ought to make them a better team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Sure, Zubac is a downgrade. He’s still well-equipped for the low usage role that the Suns will have available at the 5. Meanwhile, Covington would be a nice addition to this shallow rotation. No matter how strong their top players are, the Suns could use some depth.
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