SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – APRIL 08: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates a basket during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 08, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah, NBA Trades: 3 sign-and-trades for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
The Phoneix Suns collapsed in embarrassing fashion in the Western Conference Semifinals, losing to the Dallas Mavericks in seven games, with the final two games being absolute blowouts in favor of the Mavs.
Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton combined to score just 26 points, and now, as the offseason approaches, there are a ton of questions as to whether or not the Suns will run it back.
While Booker and Paul will be back in Phoenix next year, many have debated whether or not the same can be said for Ayton. GM James Jones said that he expects Ayton to return, but based on reports, the big man does not feel appreciated by the team.
Ayton will enter restricted free agency this offseason, meaning the team can match any deal he gets. However, if they choose to part ways, here are three sign-and-trades that could benefit the Suns.
NBA Trades: 3 sign-and-trades for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns: Utah Jazz
Suns receive: Rudy Gobert
Jazz receive: Deandre Ayton
Some could argue that this would be an upgrade for the Suns. Rudy Gobert is a three-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year who would elevate the Suns’ defense.
In addition, having a point guard like Chris Paul next to him could also help elevate Gobert on the offensive side of the ball. Paul is one of the best point guards of all time, so having that at his disposal would benefit Gobert greatly.
Gobert and the Utah Jazz may be at a breaking point. With how their season ended, many have speculated that the team could look to trade Gobert or Mitchell.
With reports coming out that the Jazz want to rebuild around Mitchell, trading for a young, up-and-coming center would help prepare them for the future.
Phoneix Suns collapsed in embarrassing fashion in the Western Conference Semifinals, losing to the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/dallas-mavericks/">Dallas Mavericks in seven games, with the final two games being absolute blowouts in favor of the Mavs.</p>
<p>Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton combined to score just 26 points, and now, as the offseason approaches, there are a ton of questions as to whether or not the Suns will run it back.</p>
<p>While Booker and Paul will be back in Phoenix next year, many have debated whether or not the same can be said for Ayton. <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10036259-suns-gm-james-jones-expects-deandre-ayton-to-return-to-team-in-nba-free-agency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GM James Jones said</a> that he expects Ayton to return, but based on reports, the big man <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/deandre-ayton-did-not-feel-valued-by-suns-is-expected-to-receive-max-offer-as-free-agent-per-report/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">does not feel appreciated by the team</a>.</p>
<p>Ayton will enter restricted free agency this offseason, meaning the team can match any deal he gets. However, if they choose to part ways, here are three sign-and-trades that could benefit the Suns.</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: 3 sign-and-trades for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns: Utah Jazz</h2>
<p><strong>Suns receive: Rudy Gobert</strong></p>
<p><strong>Jazz receive: Deandre Ayton</strong></p>
<p>Some could argue that this would be an upgrade for the Suns. Rudy Gobert is a three-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year who would elevate the Suns’ defense.</p>
<p>In addition, having a point guard like Chris Paul next to him could also help elevate Gobert on the offensive side of the ball. Paul is one of the best point guards of all time, so having that at his disposal would benefit Gobert greatly.</p>
<p>Gobert and the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/utah-jazz/">Utah Jazz may be at a breaking point. With how their season ended, many have speculated that the team could look to trade Gobert or Mitchell.</p>
<p>With reports coming out that the Jazz <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"https://www.si.com/nba/jazz/news/donovan-mitchell-trade-rumors-jazz-committed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">want to rebuild around Mitchell</a>, trading for a young, up-and-coming center would help prepare them for the future.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Trade #2 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-445225 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1359238048.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades, Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1359238048.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1359238048-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">PORTLAND, OREGON – DECEMBER 14: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns has his pass deflected by Robert Covington #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Moda Center on December 14, 2021 in Portland, Oregon, NBA Trades: 3 sign-and-trades for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Trades: 3 sign-and-trades for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns: Portland Trail Blazers</h2>
<p><strong>Suns receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Hart</strong></p>
<p><strong>Trail Blazers receive: Deandre Ayton</strong></p>
<p>The <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/portland-trail-blazers/">Portland Trail Blazers are in a very interesting spot as a franchise. After a terrible season that was blown up by injuries, they are looking to reshape the team around superstar point guard Damian Lillard.</p>
<p>Portland traded CJ McCollum, Norman Powell, and others at the trade deadline, opening up space to add new pieces this summer. They will have over $20 million in cap space and the ability to clear up more.</p>
<p>Lillard <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/16/damian-lillard-deandre-ayton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently liked a tweet</a> that suggested that Ayton should join him in Portland, kickstarting rumors that the big man could be dealt there. If that were a possibility, this trade would benefit both sides.</p>
<p>Jusuf Nurkic is also set to be a free agent this summer. Phoenix and Portland could complete a double sign-and-trade, which would give the Suns a new big man to play alongside Devin Booker and Chris Paul.</p>
<p>In addition, the Suns would get some valuable support on the perimeter. Josh Hart played amazingly for the Blazers toward the end of last season and would be the perfect 3&D player for Phoenix.</p>
<p>Nurkic and Hart would be a quality haul for Ayton, especially considering Ayton may not want to be there anymore (shoutout to Eric Bledsoe). The Suns would get some added depth, and the Blazers would get an All-Star-caliber center.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Trade #3 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-445227" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1303951057.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades, Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1303951057.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1303951057-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 24: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Cody Zeller #40 of the Charlotte Hornets jump for the opening tip during the first half of the NBA game at Phoenix Suns Arena on February 24, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona, NBA Trades: 3 sign-and-trades for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Trades: 3 sign-and-trades for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns: Charlotte Hornets and Houston Rockets</h2>
<p><strong>Suns receive: Christian Wood, Kelly Oubre Jr.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Hornets receive: Deandre Ayton</strong></p>
<p><strong>Rockets receive: PJ Washington, Pick #15 2022 NBA Draft, 2026 Second-Round Pick (via CHA)</strong></p>
<p>Let’s get crazy.</p>
<p>This deal is a three-teamer involving the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/charlotte-hornets/">Charlotte Hornets and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/houston-rockets/">Houston Rockets. Deandre Ayton would land in Charlotte while the Suns and Rockets would get a couple of valuable pieces.</p>
<p>Ayton would thrive next to LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. That young trio would be one of the best in the league, and Ayton would solve Charlotte’s center problems.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Phoenix would be getting Christian Wood to replace Ayton in the starting lineup. He’s likely a slight downgrade, but after two successful years in Wood, the big man has proven to be valuable.</p>
<p>In addition, the Suns would get Kelly Oubre Jr. back after a two-year absence. Oubre Jr. enjoyed the best season of his career in Phoenix, and in his return, he’d be a valuable piece of the bench.</p>
<p>Lastly, the Rockets would be getting back PJ Washington in the deal, who would enjoy an expanded role in Houston, but the big prizes for them would be the picks. They’d be getting the 15th-overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, as well as a future second.</p>
<p>Charlotte already has two first-rounders this year, so trading one wouldn’t be that big of a deal for them, especially for a guy like Ayton. For Houston, this would allow them to add to their already-growing young core.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Official selections for the 2022 All-NBA Playoff teams" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/19/all-nba-playoff-teams/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/19/all-nba-playoff-teams/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Official selections for the 2022 All-NBA Playoff teams </a> </div>
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